A Gaza mother of three shared the harrowing experience of discovering her residence obliterated by Israeli airstrikes. Alaa Radwan and her family fled Palestine in 2024 due to ongoing nearby bombings. They are now residing in Egypt but have plans to relocate to the UK for her Master’s studies in London.
Learning of their demolished home through a neighbor’s photo, Alaa described the devastation of losing a property they recently owned. The Israeli army ordered their evacuation on October 13, coincidentally her birthday, prompting their relocation to Deir Al-balah in Gaza.
During their displacement, the family coped with the fear of airstrikes by sleeping together in one room. Alaa narrated how she tried to reassure her children by pretending the sounds were celebratory, despite her own deep fear.
Receiving photos of their ruined home confirmed the extent of the destruction. The once-furnished dwelling was unrecognizable, with cables hanging from the ceiling and a gaping hole in the living room.
The trauma deepened when a neighboring house was bombed, prompting Alaa to seek safety in Egypt. They faced starting anew after losing their home, jobs, and enduring severe hardships in Gaza.
Despite the hardships, Alaa’s hope for a better future materialized as she secured a place at a London university through a successful fundraising campaign. The prospect of a fresh start in the UK offers solace for a family that endured immense loss.
Reflecting on the past, Alaa acknowledged that life in Gaza had irrevocably changed. The sense of community, familiar places, and daily routines were shattered, leaving behind a void that could never be filled.
