NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- The story Basma Shaqura reflects the suffering of all Palestinians suffering from the ongoing Israeli war and destruction, and struggling to survive with the hope for a better future.

A journey to displacement

In an interview with NuJINHA, Basma Shaqura told her story full of tragedy and suffering. She had to leave her home with her family during Israeli airstrikes targeting civilian houses and infrastructure. “It was a difficult, heartbreaking moment. We were forced to flee our home,” said Basma Shaqura, who had to leave behind everything that they had.

“Women and children were searching for a safe shelter. Men were arrested in a humiliating way in front of us. We had been forced to flee our homes many times before. We have witnessed this terrifying scenario many times. Each time we were humiliated, we were subjected to psychological pressure.”

‘Fear was controlling us’

The fear of death was not the only fear that accompanied her during her journey to displacement. The Israeli tanks were monitoring their every move, and Israeli forces were ready to fire on them by using their heavy weapons at any moment. “One of my relatives was shot and injured. We could not help her in fear that we would be shot. Fear was controlling us. We had no choice but to flee.”

‘I could not believe that someone would insult me for food’

The rights to life, security, housing, health and education are all systematically violated in Gaza, Basma Shaqura emphasized. “I had to bear a heavier burden; I had to take care of my children and find food for them. One day, I faced an embarrassing situation while trying to get food for my family. I found myself in an intense competition with my relatives and other people. I could not believe that someone would insult me for food. I cried for days.”

She launches an initiative

After days, Basma Shaqura and her family found a safe place; a shelter center. Despite the difficult living conditions in the shelter center, she decided to launch an initiative for the displaced children. “I have launched an initiative called ‘Paper and Pen’ to support children, who are deprived of education. I teach children mathematics and how to read and write so that they can cope with trauma.”

‘Our wounds do not heal’

We are a stateless nation suffering from wars and displacement, she emphasized, adding, “Our wounds do not heal. The displacement leaves deep psychological scars, reminding us what we have lost and injustice and oppression against us.”