Paul Adams from the BBC has been in communication with a young graduate in Gaza for six years. Her text messages provide a unique perspective on the challenges and small victories she has faced during the current conflict, as well as her concerns about the future.
On 19 March 2024, Asmaa Tayeh resurfaces on WhatsApp after a period of silence, citing bad internet connection and dangerous circumstances. This pattern of intermittent communication has been ongoing since 7 October, with Asmaa reaching out sporadically amidst the chaos of Gaza’s prolonged conflict.
Asmaa, a 28-year-old entrepreneur who launched Star Café, an online coffee delivery service, in September 2022, finds herself caught in the midst of unprecedented violence following a devastating attack by Hamas gunmen in October 2023. The subsequent Israeli military response leaves the Gaza Strip in ruins, forcing Asmaa and her family to navigate a landscape of destruction and uncertainty.
Despite the harrowing conditions and constant threat of danger, Asmaa remains resilient, sharing snippets of her experiences with Paul Adams through late-night text exchanges. Her messages paint a picture of a young woman grappling with the harsh realities of war, clinging to hope amidst despair.
Through Asmaa’s words, we gain a glimpse into the resilience and strength of a community ravaged by conflict, yet determined to survive against all odds.
The place was dirty, smelled of paint, and lacked basic necessities like a kitchen, mattresses, and water. Living conditions were so bad that they were essentially coexisting with rats. When they could venture outside safely, they would spend hours searching for clean water, crucial for preparing formula for Asmaa’s two-month-old nephew. The family even repurposed an Israeli weapons case as a stove for cooking.
After less than three weeks in the shop, Asmaa received a call from the Israeli army, instructing them to evacuate due to an impending operation. Despite her initial anger, she found herself intrigued by the person on the other end of the line. Asmaa wished for more interaction with Israelis, curious about their perspective on the ongoing conflict.
The family eventually returned to their partially destroyed home in Jabalia, where they began repairing the damage and struggling with food scarcity. Asmaa’s father even started growing vegetables on the roof. Despite the challenging circumstances, the humanitarian situation gradually improved with the arrival of aid, allowing them to eat more regularly and even have showers.
But the peace was short-lived. The family had to relocate once again to an area near the coast following the resurgence of conflict. Asmaa’s grandfather passed away, adding to the family’s grief and displacement. Asmaa reflected on the toll the constant upheaval had taken on her mental state, expressing a desire to leave Gaza behind.
Asmaa’s experiences in Gaza had changed her profoundly, with survival becoming a constant source of anxiety. The war had reshaped not just the physical landscape but also the social fabric of the region. Despite the challenges, Asmaa remained determined to persevere and eventually leave Gaza behind. Los constantes impactos de la muerte, el desplazamiento y el trauma dejando barrios enteros al borde de la desintegración.
Comunidades unidas habían sido desgarradas, dijo, con familiares y vecinos dispersos por toda la franja de Gaza, y más allá.
A veces, en la lucha por sobrevivir, los gazatíes se habían vuelto unos contra otros. Un total colapso en la ley y el orden dejando que pandillas y familias rivales se enfrentaran por el control de recursos preciosos.
“Se está volviendo realmente normal ver a personas incluso matándose entre sí”, dijo Asmaa.
Pero si la guerra había sacado lo peor de las personas, también había sacado lo mejor.
En Jabalia, Asmaa dijo, la gente estaba compartiendo comida y agua, intercambiando las últimas noticias e información sobre dónde cargar teléfonos móviles. Con productos alimenticios básicos una vez más escasos, las mujeres estaban intercambiando recetas improvisadas.
“Todos realmente se están cuidando unos a otros.”
Asmaa dijo que tomaría décadas para que los gazatíes se recuperaran de la vida escasa y limitada que conocían antes del 7 de octubre. Hablar desafiante de reconstrucción y renovación, dijo, se sentía ilusorio.
En cuanto a ella misma, el único sueño de Asmaa ahora era escapar.
“No tengo ninguna esperanza en este lugar”, me dijo. “Ya no soy la misma persona. No creo que me recupere.”