Work is what allows me to keep going

Since October 7 and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, at least 40,000 Palestinians have been killed – including at least 10.000 children - and over 80,000 injured in the continuous bombing of Gaza by Israeli forces. This deadly offensive comes in the wake of a massive attack launched on Israel by Hamas, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 Israelis and foreign nationals were taken hostage.

My name is Haitham, and I am 27 years old. I am the youngest in my family - I have four sisters and two brothers. I am married but have no children. I have been living in Gaza for nine years now, and my life before the current war was beautiful, stable, and full of joy.

I love my job. I am a physical therapist for HI and I help injured individuals and children with disabilities, giving them hope and confidence in their bodies. I bring smiles when they are back on their feet and able to walk again or do a movement that was difficult before…

Displaced twice 

My family and I were displaced twice, once to Rafah and once to the Nuseirat camp, where we are now. When you have to flee your home, the first challenge is what to bring with you and what to leave at your place… There is also the uncertainty of your next destination. Where are we going? It is scary. 

The first time, we were displaced to a house, and the second time to a tent. The situation in the camp is dire. It is difficult to access food, water, and medical care due to the lack of water and hygiene supplies. Maintaining personal hygiene is a big challenge. Many members of my family suffered from intestinal infections due to the lack of clean water.

I keep my worries for me

It is difficult to control fear and anxiety, but I try to overcome it by keeping myself busy. My wife suffers from depression due to the displacement and the war. I try to control my emotions and not convey my worries to those around me. I keep myself occupied with my work and household chores.

As physical therapists, we do what we can.

There are a large number of people in need of physical therapy services, but the lack of resources and the lack of privacy during therapy sessions make it hard to work efficiently. Maintaining cleanliness and sterilization of the equipment is also challenging.

Put an end to this war

I hope that our country becomes more beautiful than before and that we feel a sense of stability. We are people who love life, and the level of violence, destruction and starvation we endure is unprecedented. Stop the war.

Call for a ceasefire

We call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. We also call for safe, unimpeded, and direct access to humanitarian aid.

Israeli authorities must cease their violent actions against civilians and civilian premises and lift the access restrictions imposed on Palestinian residents in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These restrictions often hinder the ability of individuals to access essential healthcare services, including physical and functional rehabilitation and mental health and psychosocial support services.

Palestinians face a catastrophic humanitarian situation, while the International Court of Justice found possible violations of the Genocide Convention and declared the Israeli occupation of the West Bank as illegal, in two recent and separate rulings.