Looking for Trouble

Words from Gaza (Day Five) by Gerri Haynes, photos by Bob Haynes

School children here in Gaza are always welcoming.

Photos of those who were recently killed by Israeli attacks are posted on cars and the rubble of buildings.

The group meets with Dr. Musa of UNRWA.

Each day we hear more stories. Here are a few:

During the 2014 war on Gaza, access to water was critical. It was summer, the weather was very hot and for safety, people were forced to remain inside their homes. The price of water was very high. Usually, there is grey water for toilet use and filtered water for consumption. During the war, only filtered water was delivered and the price was double. For many, water is delivered by truck and pumped to a tank on the roof of their building. Water truck drivers were very cautious about deliveries. Generally, two men deliver water – one to run the pump at the truck and one to place the hose on the roof. With armed drones visible above rooftops, only one man per truck ventured out. Families who wanted water were forced to send one of their family members to the roof to place the hose. A friend described the process of going to the roof with a hose, his wife and children terrified, watching and listening for drones, knowing that at any moment he could be targeted and killed.

Another friend told of medical supplies running low during the war. With the tunnels from Egypt closed, supplies now enter Gaza only through Israel. Following bombings when medicines, medical supplies ran low, we asked how did they get critically needed supplies. We were told that these items came through Israel but at a very high price. The cost of war in injury and the cost of war in treating the injury.

A young father related the days of having to stay in his house as being confusing for all the members of his family. Accustomed to having the father leave the house each day, the family was now clustered in their small living room – fearing the “knock” on the roof (Israel’s process of sending a warning to clear the house in advance of a bombing) and growing more restless and frustrated each day. “What am I to do?” he questioned. “I am the father, I am supposed to protect my children? Now they know and I know that I cannot protect them – there is no safety – there is no trust. When the attacks stopped, no one felt secure. To this day, no one feels secure. Everyone believes that the planes flying over our land could start again to kill Gaza.”

With a firm work ethic, a friend from previous visits told me that there is no work available in Gaza. During the war, jobs were available assisting journalists. This was extremely dangerous work – journalists were targeted and killed – but this friend risked working. Now there is no work. With the promise of reconstruction money that issued from the conference in Cairo, plans were made for jobs in rebuilding Gaza. But no money has been released. And so they wait.

Still another friend related the troubles faced by thousands who are now homeless. Many are sheltering with relatives, many in schools, and some in tents or temporary container buildings. Some have rented apartments, but the cost of renting a habitable apartment is prohibitive for most. With a median income of perhaps $200 – 300/month, a small apartment costs about $300 USD/month. Interestingly, prices for rent and major purchases such as computers or appliances are listed in U.S. dollars.

A medical professional related intricate plans for helping the people of Gaza to heal. Education of more mental health workers, plans for service in homes, and an attitude of promise that Gazans will continue to survive and eventually thrive keep this courageous man hopeful. There is no “giving up.”