As the new year approaches, the Gaza Strip remains engulfed in a humanitarian crisis unprecedented in recent history. The conflict between Palestine and Israel has persisted into 2024, resulting in the loss of over 45,000 Palestinian lives and injuring more than 106,000 people. Amidst the turmoil, the residents of Gaza hold onto hope for change and peace.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, 32-year-old resident Dima Naseer gazes towards the horizon with a mixture of sorrow and determination. “We have endured so much,” she says softly. “Our homes, our families, our futures—everything is affected by this conflict.”
Naseer, like many others in Gaza, dreams of a brighter 2025. She expresses a heartfelt wish for greater global support and attention to the plight of her people. “The world needs to see us, to hear our stories,” she urges. “We are not just numbers; we are human beings seeking peace and a chance to rebuild our lives.”
The ongoing conflict has left the Gaza Strip struggling with shortages of essential resources, including food, clean water, and medical supplies. International aid has been insufficient to meet the growing needs of the population. Naseer believes that increased global awareness could lead to more substantial support and a push toward resolving the longstanding conflict.
“I hope that in 2025, the international community will stand with us,” she says. “We need voices from around the world to call for peace and help us end this suffering.”
As the calendar turns, the people of Gaza continue to face daily challenges. Yet, amidst the hardships, their resilience shines through. “We hold onto hope because it is all we have left,” Naseer reflects. “Perhaps this new year will bring the change we so desperately need.”
The sentiments of residents like Naseer highlight the human aspect of the conflict—a reminder that beyond political agendas and territorial disputes, ordinary people bear the brunt of the struggles. Their wishes for global support are calls for empathy, solidarity, and action from the international community.
As 2025 dawns, the world watches to see if these calls will be heeded, and if a path toward peace and recovery for Gaza can finally emerge.
Reference(s):
1,001 Wishes: Gaza resident hopes for global support in 2025
cgtn.com
