‘I’ve lost everything – my child, my house, my money’: how Israel’s war on Gaza has changed men
The impact of the conflict on Palestinian men is a largely undiscussed topic. Four civilians talk about their lives and relationships Before the war, Ahmed, 39, had a busy life. He was pursuing a PhD in factchecking and had three jobs: as a radio presenter, editor of a local factchecking website and researcher at an academic centre. He says he felt “happy” to be able to provide for his family…
The war on Gaza has dramatically altered the lives of Palestinian men, leaving many feeling stripped of everything they once knew. Ahmed, a 39-year-old PhD student and family man, is one such individual. Once a thriving intellectual with a bustling career, Ahmed now spends his days in line for basic necessities, feeling his sense of self has been shattered.
The loss of privacy in communal tents has created a sense of emotional silence amongst couples, hindering open communication. He feels a responsibility to be a source of reassurance for his children, yet often grapples with his own anxieties about the future. Nidal, a 40-year-old entrepreneur, once ran a successful small business in Gaza City.
The war displaced him and his family, leading to the tragic loss of his sister-in-law and daughter in separate Israeli airstrikes. Now, Nidal lives in a tent, feeling a profound sense of hopelessness and anger. Hussein, a 24-year-old university student and technology enthusiast, found his life upended when his home was bombed, leaving his family in dire circumstances.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, he remains determined to rebuild and hopes to marry and have children in the future. Hamza, a 22-year-old medical student, initially volunteered as an emergency doctor during the war, driven by a sense of purpose. The experience has transformed his perspective on family and friendship, bringing him closer to his loved ones.
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