Six weeks into a total blockade that has emptied Gaza’s markets and depleted food supplies, Rehab Akhras and her family are facing the real possibility of starvation. The Israeli checkpoints have been sealed since early March, leaving the people of Gaza completely cut off from the outside world.
As the current situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the people are struggling to survive against all odds. For Rehab Akhras and her family, the blockade has become a daily struggle for survival. With no way to leave Gaza, they are completely dependent on the limited resources within the blockaded territory.
The blockade has been imposed by Israel as a means of punishing the Hamas-led government in Gaza. However, it is the civilians who are bearing the brunt of this political conflict. The blockade has caused severe shortages of basic necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel, leaving the people of Gaza in a dire situation.
Rehab Akhras, a mother of three, is one of the many who are struggling to feed their families. She says, “We have been living under this blockade for six weeks now, and our food supplies are running dangerously low. We don’t know how much longer we can survive.”
Every morning, Rehab joins the long queues at the few remaining markets in Gaza, hoping to find some food to feed her family. However, the shelves are almost always empty, and what little is available is often too expensive for her to afford. “I used to cook three meals a day for my family, but now I am lucky if I can make one meal with the little food we have left,” she says with tears in her eyes.
The situation in Gaza has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The blockade has prevented the entry of much-needed medical supplies and equipment, leaving the already fragile healthcare system on the brink of collapse. With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise in Gaza, the people are facing a double threat – the virus and starvation.
Despite the dire circumstances, the people of Gaza have not lost hope. They continue to stand strong and resilient in the face of adversity. Rehab says, “We are used to living under difficult conditions, but this blockade has pushed us to our limits. However, we will not give up. We will find a way to survive and provide for our families.”
The resilience and determination of the people of Gaza are truly inspiring. Despite the hardships they face, they continue to show strength and perseverance. The blockade may have cut off their physical connection to the outside world, but it has not dampened their spirit.
The international community must take action and put an end to this inhumane blockade. The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity and have access to basic necessities like food, medicine, and fuel. A solution must be found to end this ongoing crisis and bring relief to the people of Gaza.
In the meantime, organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other NGOs are working tirelessly to provide aid and assistance to those in need. They are distributing food packages and providing medical care to those affected by the blockade. Their efforts are crucial in helping the people of Gaza survive this crisis.
Rehab and her family, along with the rest of the people in Gaza, are counting on the support and solidarity of the international community. It is time for the world to take notice and stand with the people of Gaza in their time of need. We must work together to ensure that no one goes hungry or without basic necessities. Let us all join hands to bring an end to this blockade and bring hope to the people of Gaza.
