As the sun sets over the Gaza Strip on the eve of 2025, the air is filled with a mix of hope and lingering despair. In the city of Khan Younis, 34-year-old Dima Naseer stands on the rooftop of her modest home, gazing at the horizon. The past year has been one of the most challenging in her memory, marked by ongoing conflict and a humanitarian crisis that has gripped Gaza like never before.
“We have endured so much,” Dima says softly. “But we still hold onto hope.”
The Palestine-Israel conflict, now extending into 2024, has left deep scars on the people of Gaza. According to local reports, over 45,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and more than 106,000 have been injured in the continued strife. The infrastructure is in ruins, with hospitals overwhelmed and basic necessities scarce.
Despite the hardships, Dima refuses to let despair take hold. “Every day, I make a wish for peace,” she shares. “I wish that the world will hear our voices and see our struggles.”
Dima’s plea is a reflection of the wider sentiment among Gaza’s residents. There is a growing hope that the international community will pay greater attention to their plight. “We need the world’s support,” Dima emphasizes. “Not just in words, but in actions that can help bring an end to our suffering.”
As the new year approaches, Dima’s message is one of resilience and a yearning for a brighter future. “We are not just statistics,” she says. “We are people with dreams and hopes. In 2025, I wish for peace, for rebuilding, and for our children to live without fear.”
The streets of Khan Younis may be lined with the remnants of conflict, but they are also filled with the unbreakable spirit of its people. Dima and many like her continue to hope that their 1,001 wishes for peace and global support will not go unheard.
Reference(s):
1,001 Wishes: Gaza resident hopes for global support in 2025
cgtn.com
