Gaza City, Palestine – Olga Cherevko recently recounted her visit to the Gaza Strip in January, where she was part of a team from OCHA to assist with the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the region. Her experiences shed light on the harsh reality faced by millions of people in Gaza on a daily basis.
In Gaza, amidst the normalcy of children playing on the beach and adults leisurely walking along the coast, the echoes of warplanes and explosions serve as a constant reminder of the ongoing turmoil. The sight of tents lining the streets, donkeys pulling carts filled with people and their belongings, and individuals on foot searching for safety, food, and water paint a poignant picture of the struggle faced by the residents of Gaza.
Returning to Gaza for the first time since her time working for UNRWA from 2014 to 2017, Olga was met with a stark contrast from her previous experiences. The journey into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing was arduous, with numerous checkpoints along the way, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking entry into the region.
Despite the devastation and loss experienced by many in Gaza, Olga was heartened to see the resilience and strength of former colleagues who continued to persevere amidst unimaginable suffering. The uncertainty of the future and concerns for safety loomed large in conversations, underscoring the pervasive sense of fear and insecurity that grips the region.
Exploring Gaza City for the first time revealed a landscape marred by destruction, with remnants of once-beloved landmarks reduced to rubble. The poignant story of Mai, a mother longing to return home but realizing the harsh reality of its absence, encapsulates the despair and longing prevalent among many residents in Gaza.
As Gaza grapples with a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions, the voices of its people, like Mai’s, serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that persist in the face of adversity. The international community’s response and assistance remain crucial in providing relief and support to the millions affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.