Nine To Noon Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad on capturing the early days of the war in Gaza
Nov 19, 2025
Plestia Alaqad is a Palestinian journalist and author of The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience, who captures the trials of life in Gaza post-October 7, 2023. She shares heartfelt memories of childhood and community, illustrating Gaza's enduring spirit despite the occupation. Plestia discusses the challenges of capturing Gaza's beauty through her journalism and the unprecedented nature of the recent conflict. Through personal anecdotes, she reveals the trauma of daily life under bombardment and emphasizes the need for Palestinian voices to be heard and honored.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Diary From First Days In Gaza
- Plestia Alaqad kept a diary documenting the first 45 days after October 7, 2023 while reporting as a journalist in Gaza.
- The diary became her book The Eyes Of Gaza, A Diary of Resilience and records her family's flight to Egypt and then Australia.
Bright Childhood Amid Siege
- Plestia describes childhood memories in Gaza, from decorating doors for Ramadan to family beach trips despite occupation and limited technology.
- She emphasizes Gaza's strong community bonds and simple joys amid hardship.
Trapped Between Borders
- Plestia explains the paradox of restricted movement: Gazans cannot freely return yet face heavy visa barriers abroad.
- She highlights how Palestinians are stuck between being unable to go home and limited in international travel.
