My Gaza Diary: Hope under Ashes

By Sameh Habeeb

ccun.org, March 17, 2008

 

Hope into my Way to Home

After I finished all along day of work on my office I went back to my home. I was planning to fill an application for a master scholarship I go lately.  Besides, sending some news for my friends abroad about siege, urging and asking them to lobby people and mobilize for our "lost Palestinian cause"

I wasn't shocked too much when I entered my home because of the ongoing power cuts that I accustomed to experience. Yet, a dreadful feeling fluctuated me because the deadline of my application is due. Dreadful, because I lost many chances before!

As the darkness occupied my home, I left it heading to my young friends who were gathering in the neighborhood chatting with each other. I didn't enjoy their talk since it was as always, Hamas, Fatih and Gaza's Siege.

I got to my home back and into my bed which was my only way to feel warm in the coldest month in winter

 I tried to get into a slumber or a nap but I couldn't. Nothing I found around except the radio…I tuned to some local radio stations…Some stations were broadcasting national songs, and other broadcasting breaking News of Israeli army which stormed into the northern area of Gaza Strip.

Siege is everywhere!

 I stopped on one of the radio stations and focused about people's complains. They were complaining about everything in Gaza Strip.

"Foods, clothes, fuel, water, basic commodities and other basic needs hit the highest peak of prices. We are not able to secure these things because there are not available due to siege. Borders are closed, students are trapped and labors turned unemployed," the radio said.

I waked up on the morning …the room was too cold and the radio was still on but broadcasting 5 names of people who were killed in the Israel bloody Military operation last night…I didn't give much concern because it was a normal news for me!

I directly gulped down a cup of hot tea with some biscuits which wasn't good enough as I used to get before. It was home-made with low quality as siege has come to every single point in our life aspects.

Debating in the car and neighborhood

At the street I found it difficult to get a car due to Israeli occupation measure of depriving Gaza from daily fuel deliveries…I became too furious because  my work day has just began.

I gave the driver fare which was about 1-5 Nis equals 20 Cents. Yet, the man became mad at me and he asked for more 10 cents saying fuel price has risen up due to fuel cuts.

I gave him what he asked and thanks god I reached my work after a transportation suffering.  At my office, things were not good enough as there was no electricity. What added more insult to injury is that there was no fuel enough for the generator? Therefore, all employees went off and we lost a day of work.

I was happy to get unwillingly a day off saying in my mind that I will stay at home having a rest with my family. HHH, At home, the situation with too bleak and Cold so I tried to switch on the heater. But, for sorry there was no gas!

I decided to join some labors who live in my neighborhood as they got a fire to keep themselves warm. Those labors were speaking about the status quo and when the crossing points will be open to restart their works again. I listened and listened then got to my home back… 

Waiting the next Day!

 I confine myself on my bed and waited the slumber to defeat me to forget the endless burdens I encountered.

I slept deeply… looked out of my window…I saw only he dark sky of Gaza Strip… then I said...The Sun also rises…

Sorry, I didn't see the other day after the sunrise ended…Ohh No, To be frank, I saw it but I don't want to tell you!.

Sameh Habeeb, Freelance journalist based in Gaza strip

Blog: http://gazatoday.blogspot.com

e-mail: Sam_hab@hotmail.com

-- Popular Committee Against Siege(PCAS), PCAS Manager, Sam AK Gaza - Palestine Mob:00972598873055 Freegaza.ps@gmail.com Action.palestine@yahoo.com Website: www.freegaza.ps/english اللجنة الشعبية لمواجهة الحصار غزة- فلسطين