Gaza- Amira Owais, a Palestinian woman who holds on to life in Gaza City's Shujaiya neighborhood, is one of the Palestinian women, who are determined to rebuild their life.

She keeps struggling to survive by setting up a tent on the rubble of her home destroyed in Israel’s attacks.

One of her sons killed

Amira Owais told NuJINHA what they had experienced during Israel’s attacks on Gaza. “We were displaced multiple times during the war. It seemed like the displacement would never end. We have experienced indescribable pain but the worst one was the loss of my son. When I expected his return for lunch, I found myself looking for his shroud. When he left home, I did not know that he would never return. One of my sons was injured in Israel’s attacks on Al-Shifa Hospital. He was paralyzed for a long time and was able to recover somewhat through physical therapy. Then, he went south with his wife.”

She set up tent by using wood beams and sheets of nylon

Amira Owais cannot sleep at night anymore. “I still cannot believe my son is dead. Despite everything, we struggle to survive. Following the ceasefire, I returned to my home. However, my home was destroyed in the attacks. So, I decided to set up a tent on the rubble of my home by using wood beams and sheets of nylon to say that I am here and never leave my land. I did not ask for help from anyone, because I knew that everyone tried to rebuild their lives, like me.”

‘I will not leave my land’

At night, the tent of Amira Owais shakes due to strong wind. “On stormy days, I feel like I experience another war. One night, my tent leaked. I sat in a corner and waited for the morning. It was another test that I should pass. Palestinian women are not only victims of the war but also the architects of life amidst the destruction. I set up my tent on the rubble of my destroyed home to show the world that this land is not for sale and that we sow hope despite the destruction. I will not leave my land even if I have to live without a shelter.”