Gaza diary part 12: ‘We don’t have access to the internet … We are blindfolded’

Friday 27 October

4am

1. I, my sister, and the two cats had a sleepless night.
2. Manara, the abandoned cat we took in, slept peacefully.
3. Despite our exhaustion, she found safety with us.

A few nights ago, we started a new tradition to pass the time during this ongoing situation. The guys of the house started playing cards, joined by their cousin. While they played, I observed and engaged in my own activities.

• The cousin, in his last year of high school, expressed concerns about the impact of the current situation on his education.
• He worried about the challenges faced by students who have lost their homes and may be traumatized.
• He also questioned whether the teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping students’ characters, have the energy to continue their noble work.

10am

1. My sister took the cats, including Manara, to the vet.
2. Despite the risks, she was determined to ensure their well-being.
3. She found a kind-hearted man who provided veterinary care at a reasonable cost.

The vet’s hands were shaking from exhaustion after a difficult night. He struggled to administer medication to one of the cats, so my sister had to crush it and mix it with food. The vet expressed his emotional distress, highlighting the challenging circumstances we all face.

Noon

• While out getting basic necessities, I witnessed a new method of obtaining water using a pulley system.
• Despite the time-consuming process, people were grateful to have access to water.

We managed to find an additional small battery to charge our devices. However, acquiring necessary items has become increasingly difficult and expensive.

I dropped my mobile phone again, realizing its importance as my only connection to the outside world during these challenging times. I pleaded with it to stay functional until we can escape this situation.

3pm

1. The grandmother visited us and shared stories that juxtaposed sadness and joy.
2. She recounted the devastating loss of a woman’s dream building, contrasting it with descriptions of joyful wedding traditions.
3. Despite the hardships, she highlighted the resilience and celebration within our community.

5pm

As I sat with the guys playing cards, I imagined a future where the streets are filled with celebrations instead of despair. I envisioned weddings and joyous gatherings, where men danced to the rhythm of traditional instruments and women adorned themselves in embroidered dresses.

6.30pm

I checked my phone and noticed that both SIM cards had no signal. Panic and fear spread among us as we realized we were completely cut off from communication. The loss of connection meant we had no way of knowing what was happening around us, checking on loved ones, or seeking help in emergencies.

We were not just afraid; we were terrified. The situation, already dire, had become even more unbearable.

Saturday 28 October

6am

1. The entire Gaza Strip was sleepless and filled with terror.
2. Without any means of communication, we felt completely helpless.
3. We heard airstrikes but had no knowledge of their location or the extent of the danger.

We worried about the implications of the communication blackout. Our friends and family abroad, who relied on internet and international calls to reach us, were now unable to make contact. In emergencies, there was no way to call for an ambulance or seek medical support. We were left in a state of uncertainty and desperation.

8am

• After hours of discussion, we realized that we had no control over the situation.
• We decided to take each day as it comes, hoping for positive outcomes and praying for safety.
• We acknowledged that this belief was a coping mechanism to numb our fear and maintain our sanity.

9am

1. Manara the cat required another shot of medicine.
2. Since the vet was unable to help, we sought assistance from a kind-hearted animal lover who still visited his house to care for pigeons.

Noon

1. My sister and Ahmad went to the pharmacy to get medication and food for the cat.
2. During their absence, we were disconnected from them and feared for their safety.

I anxiously listened to the sounds of airstrikes, unable to send an SMS or check on my sister’s well-being. Helplessness consumed me.

In moments of desperation, I turned to prayer and music to find solace. I sang along to a song, momentarily escaping the harsh reality.

When my sister and Ahmad returned, they shared the challenges they faced in finding supplies. The scarcity of essential items was becoming increasingly apparent.

1.30pm

My sister pulled out an orange from the bag, a rare find in these circumstances. Despite its damaged appearance, she cleaned it and quietly enjoyed it. We acknowledged that this situation would likely persist, and patience would be crucial.

2.30pm

Despite knowing there was no connection to the outside world, I couldn’t help but check

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Friday 27 October

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development

The article mentions the challenges faced by students in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. The loss of homes and trauma experienced by students can hinder their ability to learn and see a future. These challenges are connected to SDG 4, which aims to provide quality education for all. The targets under SDG 4 that can be identified are Target 4.1, which focuses on ensuring access to quality primary and secondary education, and Target 4.7, which emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills for sustainable development.

Saturday 28 October

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
• Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations

The article mentions the difficulties faced by people in Gaza in accessing basic needs such as water. The use of a pulley system to fetch water demonstrates the challenges in accessing safe and affordable drinking water. This is connected to SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. The targets under SDG 6 that can be identified are Target 6.1, which focuses on achieving universal access to safe drinking water, and Target 6.2, which emphasizes access to adequate sanitation and hygiene.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
• Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations

The article mentions the destruction of buildings and the loss of homes due to the conflict in Gaza. This highlights the need for access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing, which is a target under SDG 11. Additionally, the article mentions the impact of water-related disasters on the population, emphasizing the importance of disaster risk reduction and protection of vulnerable populations, which is another target under SDG 11.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
• Target 16.10

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  Source: theguardian.com

   

  

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