In a thought-provoking discussion, Raja Shehadeh, a Palestinian rights advocate, and Ghada Karmi, an insightful author, delve into the profound humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the recent conflict. They shed light on the physical and psychological toll on civilians, particularly children. The pair highlight the urgent need for international support and a new approach to Gaza's reconstruction, while emphasizing the importance of preserving Palestinian narratives amidst ongoing erasure. Their heartfelt insights capture the urgent call for justice and healing in a war-torn region.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in immense physical destruction and psychological trauma, profoundly impacting the lives of its civilian population.
There is an urgent need to preserve Palestinian culture and history as the military offensive erases critical avenues for documenting their identity.
Deep dives
The Scale of Devastation in Gaza
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in unprecedented destruction, with reports indicating more than 39,000 fatalities, primarily among civilians. This devastation has been described in various terms, including 'domicide' and 'genocide,' emphasizing the extensive loss of life and destruction of homes and infrastructure. The impact is not solely measured in lives lost but also in the systematic obliteration of the region's capacity to sustain its population, reduced to rubble under intense military actions. The psychological trauma associated with such a crisis is immense, with communities struggling to cope with the scale of their losses and the long-term implications for their existence.
Health Crisis and Mental Trauma
Gaza faces an immediate health crisis characterized by a significant spike in infectious diseases, including a resurgence of polio, following extensive damage to its healthcare facilities. With hospitals and clinics severely compromised, the population lacks access to treatment and basic sanitation, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the mental health toll on the survivors is profound, particularly on children who have lost family and faced relentless bombardment. The long-term psychological effects of trauma in such conditions remain largely unquantified, with fears of pervasive emotional scars affecting the community for generations.
Cultural and Historical Loss
The military offensive has not only caused physical damage but has also resulted in a significant cultural and historical loss for the people of Gaza. Key institutions that served as repositories of knowledge and history have been destroyed, erasing valuable narratives and connections to the past. The inability to access or record historical accounts, in conjunction with the loss of many cultural figures, threatens to sever the continuity of Palestinian identity and heritage. As a result, the challenge of documenting their history grows, placing the future understanding of Gaza at risk and highlighting the critical need for preservation amidst destruction.
The Future and the Pressure to Forget
As the world grapples with the ongoing conflict, there exists a palpable pressure to forget the struggles faced by Gazans, exacerbated by the rapid news cycle and shifting global focus. This forgetfulness could hinder accountability for the atrocities committed, reducing the likelihood of international action against future violations of human rights. The intergenerational trauma faced by surviving families highlights a risk of collective amnesia regarding their lost loved ones and shared stories. The call to remember those lost is essential for the survival of Palestinian identity and ensures that their stories and experiences are not erased from history.
“We cannot know what sort of human beings will emerge from this.”
Following Hamas’s deadly attack on 7 October 2023, Israel’s military response has been described as “inevitable”. Eleven months on, the scope and ferocity of that military response has stunned the world.
In this episode of the podcast we speak to four of the writers who contributed to the New Statesman essay collection Losing Gaza.