RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- Nismah Issa, a young Palestinian women, decided to launch a social media campaign under the hashtag “ليش نهاجر (English: Why do we migrate?” due to the recent discussion on the plan of the Trump administration to relocate 1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to war-torn Libya and the intensified Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.

She launched the social media campaign to “boost Palestinians morale” and “raise awareness about the importance of Palestinians clinging to their homeland”.

“Why do we migrate” is an awareness campaign aiming at “highlighting the risks of displacement and Israeli plans in the Gaza Strip. Israel has recently expanded its military operations across the Gaza Strip by turning 70% of Gaza into no-go zones. Palestinians have the right to live in their own homeland.”

The idea of launching this social media campaign was designed when a group of Palestinians, mostly young women, discussed how they could boost morale of the Palestinians. The campaign was launched on social media platforms such as Facebook and X by using “ليش نهاجر (English: Why do we migrate?” against)” hashtag. Social media users have posted videos, photos, and stories about the ongoing Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip and crimes committed by the Israeli army in the enclave.

As part of the campaign, the activists also painted wall murals in streets of Gaza City. “When we painted the murals, many people passing by took photos by posing in front of the murals,” Nismah Issa told NuJINHA. “They then posted the photos on their social media accounts by using the hashtag in order to support the campaign, affirming their determination to stay in Palestine.”

As part of the social media campaign, many awareness-raising meetings were held for university students to gauge their reactions to the international media’s portrayal of the future of the Gaza Strip and displacement in the enclave. Nismah Issa also conducted street interviews, emphasizing the importance of Palestinians having a dignified life in their homeland. “We deserve to have a safe life in our homeland, just like other people in the world, who have a safe life in their countries.

“The campaign was a local campaign, supported by people in several cities of the Gaza Strip. In a short time, people living in the West Bank began to post videos and stories on social media platforms by using the hashtag. Palestinians living abroad also support the campaign to raise local, regional, and international awareness of the risk of relocation.”

Call on the international community

Nismah Issa called on the international community “to stop this genocide as soon as possible. Every passing day means the death of dozens of women and children. The Israeli army targets cafés, schools, shelter centers and civilian infrastructure, including power and water facilities. Despite everything, the Palestinians are determined to stay in their homes, their homeland.”