Israel’s wars on Gaza are often marked by intense destruction, yet the true battle begins once the guns fall silent. The aftermath of war presents profound and daunting challenges that extend far beyond the immediate physical devastation. This post-war reality constitutes a "real war" for the residents of Gaza, encompassing the grief of losing loved ones, psychological scars, ongoing fear and instability, political fragmentation, economic collapse, social upheaval, and quest for justice and recognition.
The cessation of armed conflict in Gaza often leads to a profound misperception: that peace has been achieved. In reality, the end of hostilities marks the beginning of a more insidious struggle against the enduring scars of trauma, loss, and instability. Indeed, for the people, psychological and physical scars left behind by repeated conflicts shape our daily existence, creating a pervasive environment of fear, grief, and hopelessness.
Loss, scars, fear
One of the most immediate and harrowing effects of war is the profound grief experienced by those who lose family members and friends. Each casualty represents not just a statistic, but a shattered family left to grapple with overwhelming loss. The emotional toll is incalculable; bereaved Gazans often struggle with feelings of anger and sorrow. Mourning rituals become complicated by the instability that follows attacks, as families face challenges in burying their loved ones properly, or honouring their memory amid the chaos of destruction.
The bodies of many loved ones are buried in pieces.
This grief does not simply fade; it lingers, weaving itself into the fabric of daily life and affecting future generations who are burdened with inheriting this sorrow.
Many Gazans also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, often exacerbated by the lack of mental health resources and support available in the aftermath. Children in particular are vulnerable as witnessing violence, destruction, and loss can lead to long-lasting psychological issues that express themselves as behavioural problems, emotional distress, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Additionally, the pervasive fear of future violence creates an environment where hope is crushed and normalcy feels impossible to obtain.
No, the end of war does not mean an end of fear. The constant threat of renewed attacks leads to a precarious existence that perpetuates a cycle of anxiety and instability. The sound of distant explosions, the sight of military presence and tanks, and the charred and separated bodies can trigger panic.
The chronic state of alertness that Palestinians are left with impacts not just mental well-being, but also physical health.
The struggle for basic needs & stability
Beyond the psychological impact, there is a desperate struggle for basic needs. The destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals creates an environment where access to essential services becomes a daily challenge. Many families face displacement, living in overcrowded conditions or makeshift shelters. The lack of stable housing, clean water, and medical care amplifies the physical scars of war, leading to a cycle of poverty and dependency.
Not to mention, the inability to provide for one’s family adds a layer of humiliation and despair, as Palestinians in Gaza are forced to confront the stark reality of their diminished circumstances.
There is no immediate hope of recovery either, as economically Gaza faces a near-catastrophic situation. The recurrent destruction of industrial and commercial infrastructure leads to high unemployment rates and poverty. The blockade also severely limits trade and access to markets, crippling any potential for recovery.
Young Palestinians, who represent a significant portion of the population, face bleak prospects which can sometimes lead to social unrest and new cycles of violence as desperation mounts.
Certainly, social dynamics in Gaza undergo significant pressures. From families being torn apart, to communities and traditional support systems being weakened. The societal fabric is frayed, with rising tensions between different groups adding to pre-existing grievances.
As the dust settles, internal political tensions between various Palestinian factions also come to the fore. The divide between Hamas and Fatah complicates efforts for a unified response to the recovery as question of governance arises: Who will lead the rebuilding process?
This political battle is of course further exacerbated by external influences and Israel’s ongoing occupation.
Justice
The ongoing genocide in Gaza is ultimately a violation of human rights that demands acknowledgment from the global community. After all, the people of Gaza seek not only to rebuild their lives, but to also have their experiences confirmed.
Amidst all the many struggles for Palestinians, there lies a profound yearning for justice and peace. For this to happen, narratives that erase their suffering must be challenged and our rights recognised and protected.
Given that through this genocide the Israeli occupation seeks to erase everything Palestinian, the struggle for dignity and autonomy becomes essential for the process of healing. Indeed, Israel aims to uproot the Palestinian presence in an attempt to instil the idea of forced and voluntary displacement in the minds of the people of Gaza. This is why Palestinians both individually and collectively as communities work to reclaim their stories and assert their humanity.
The phrase "when the war ends, the real struggle begins" could not be more accurate to describe what awaits the people of Gaza, once again. As Palestinians, we will have to find ways to face ourselves and express how we feel about all that we have endured and witnessed. This will undoubtedly be a battle that forces us to confront our new realities and understand the role of the bombing and fire, the displacement tents, the dust mixed with flour and blood, our hands stained by charred wood, the pain of loss…all in shaping of our identities.
True peace and recovery require not only the end of violence, but also a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflict, fosters sustainable development, as well as an environment where hope and resilience can flourish. This demands urgent attention and concerted efforts from both local and international actors. Only then can Gaza move beyond survival to a future where its people can thrive.
Palestinians deserve a future where their dignity is upheld and their aspirations for a better life can be realised.
Huda Skaik is an English literature student, writer and a video maker. She dreams of a future as a professor, professional poet, and writer. She believes in the power of storytelling and pens words that resonate with the spirit of Palestinians. She seeks to illuminate the essence of Gaza, sharing its profound meaning with the world. Amidst the turmoil of conflict, writing is her solace. It fills her days with purpose and meaning. In the corridors of IUG’s English Department, and driven by a profound love for poetry and stories, she learns not just about literature but life itself.
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