Hanya Aljamal

Hanya Aljamal is a 28-year-old former English teacher from Deir al-Balah, Gaza, whose life has been drastically altered by the ongoing war that began in October 2023. Once on track to pursue a Master's in international development, her aspirations have been overshadowed by the conflict, which has displaced her multiple times and forced her to live with her family in a small apartment. Hanya now works for an aid organization, helping vulnerable children cope with the trauma of war. Through her audio diary shared with the BBC, she offers a poignant glimpse into the harsh realities of life in Gaza, where the sounds of explosions and drones have replaced the peace of her former life. Hanya's reflections reveal a deep struggle to find purpose and beauty amid devastation, as she seeks solace in simple acts of resilience, such as watching her neighbor tend to his garden and observing children flying kites.