Living in the Shadow of War: A Gaza Diary

Strategic Insights -

Two years of war have left Sara Awad's life irrevocably changed. As she navigates the streets of Gaza City, she reflects on the losses the war has inflicted, not just on her city but on her very self. The ceasefire agreement has brought temporary relief, but the psychological toll of the war remains, making it difficult for Awad to accept the sounds of nature and the feeling of peace. In this moving account, Awad shares her experiences of survival, longing, and the struggle to reclaim a sense of normalcy in a city ravaged by conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • Awad survived two periods of starvation in the Gaza Strip, one from January to March 2024 and the other from March to July 2025, during which she pleaded with the world for food.
  • The full siege by Israeli tanks was particularly devastating, trapping Awad and 30 relatives in a small space for three days, with no food, water, electricity, or internet.
  • The war has reshaped everything, including Awad's sense of joy, focus on survival, and even her dreams, as she finds herself carrying a war without bombs.
  • Awad's experience highlights the psychological toll of continuous conflict on individuals and communities, making it challenging to accept peace and normalcy.
  • The ceasefire agreement has brought temporary relief, but the underlying issues remain, including the restriction of food and aid into Gaza, limiting the ability of residents to feel a real peace.

Statistics:

  • Awad survived two periods of starvation in the Gaza Strip, January to March 2024 and March to July 2025.
  • The full siege by Israeli tanks lasted for three days, trapping Awad and 30 relatives in a small space.
  • Awad's family had no access to food, water, electricity, or internet during this time.
  • Awad often finds herself carrying a war without bombs, a war that is psychological in nature.

Sources:

  • Sara Awad, "Living in the Shadow of War: A Gaza Diary" (no date provided in the original text)