Amal Helles, a Gazan journalist for The Times, shares her harrowing journey escaping Gaza amidst ongoing violence. She recounts the emotional turmoil of leaving her home, grappling with her children's trauma, and the struggles of raising them while adjusting to life in Egypt and the Netherlands. Amal sheds light on the challenges faced by female journalists in conflict zones and the heartbreaking choices mothers must make for their children's safety. She also addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, bringing a powerful personal narrative to the forefront.
Amal Helles' experience highlights the emotional and physical challenges faced by Gazan families fleeing violence and grappling with displacement.
Despite finding temporary safety in the Netherlands, Amal reflects on the ongoing psychological trauma affecting her and her children's adjustment to a new life.
Deep dives
Life in Gaza During War
The impact of the ongoing war in Gaza is profoundly felt among the civilian population, with many experiencing displacement, loss of homes, and the constant threat of violence. Amal, a Gazan journalist, shared her harrowing journey as she and her children faced evacuation orders, deciding to leave their home in Khan Yunis amid increasing bombings. The evacuation process was fraught with danger, as they navigated an unsafe environment while listening to the sounds of destruction around them. Amal's reflections highlight the emotional toll of leaving behind memories and the uncertainty of whether they would ever be able to return.
Struggles of Displacement
Upon fleeing to Egypt, Amal described the challenges of adjusting to a new life while grappling with the trauma of war. Living in temporary accommodations, she and her children faced instability and fear, particularly as they adapted to their surroundings and the sounds of recovery after months of conflict. The difficulties were compounded by a lack of official residency, which limited their access to education and healthcare. Despite these hardships, Amal's resolve remained strong as she managed to continue her work as a journalist while striving to find a safer environment for her children.
Seeking a New Beginning in the Netherlands
Now in the Netherlands, Amal is leveraging a fellowship to focus on the role of female journalists during the crisis in Gaza, aiming to shed light on their critical contributions amidst the turmoil. The transition has presented both relief and new challenges, particularly for her children, who face emotional struggles from their previous experiences. Amal is optimistic about their future, noting that they are finally safe and have access to education, yet she remains concerned about the long-term effects of their trauma. As she continues to connect with loved ones back in Gaza, the ongoing conflict weighs heavily on her, illustrating the deep scars left by war on families and communities.
A year on from the October 7th attacks in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, Israel's bombardment of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Our colleague Amal Helles was one of the few Palestinians to escape Gaza earlier this year. So what’s life been like for her since, and for her friends and family who remain in Gaza?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory