Experience the personal stories of Gaza residents during the Israeli-Hamas conflict, from a college student sending voice memos amidst bombings to a Palestinian-American family facing the war's effects. Hear about the challenges journalists face in reporting from Gaza and the resilience of those trying to survive amidst the violence. Follow a family's harrowing escape from Gaza as they seek safety and a sense of normalcy in the midst of conflict.
Reporting on Gaza poses challenges due to media restrictions enforced by the Israeli government, making access to accurate information difficult for journalists.
The personal stories of individuals trapped in Gaza, such as a college student and a Palestinian-American family, highlight the emotional toll and struggles faced by civilians living amid conflict.
Deep dives
Struggles of Palestinians in Gaza during Ramadan
Residents in Gaza face challenges observing Ramadan due to the ongoing conflict with Israel. NPR's Leila Faro highlights the difficulties faced, including hunger and health issues among the population. International journalists are prohibited from entering Gaza, making reporting on the situation challenging.
Personal Stories from Gaza
Leila discusses the stories of a Palestinian-American family stuck in Gaza during the war and a college student, Shema Ahmed, who sends voice memos about her experiences. Shema's messages depict the daily struggles, fears, and dreams she faces amid the conflict, including displacement and the longing for a peaceful future.
Impact on Palestinians Living Outside Gaza
Leila shares the story of Wafa Abu Zeda and Abu Dokal, American citizens visiting Gaza during the war. The couple's difficulties in getting help and their eventual evacuation highlight the challenges faced by Americans in Gaza. Their experience underscores the emotional toll and uncertainty caused by the conflict.
The Israeli government currently prohibits foreign journalists from entering Gaza. NPR's Leila Fadel found another way of reporting from inside the territory.
This week on The Sunday Story, we bring you an episode from NPR's Embedded podcast. Fadel speaks with host Kelly McEvers about voice memos she's been receiving from a Palestinian college student trying to survive as bombs fall around her in Gaza. And we hear from a Palestinian American family that escaped the war–only to find that it has followed them home.