I am a child living a nightmare in Gaza: we could be killed or orphaned at any moment

Eight-year old Yomna describes her life inside bombarded and blockaded Gaza. 

My name is Yomna. I am 8 years old and I love my dad, mum, and brother – and our cat.  

I live in Gaza Strip in Palestine. We used to live in a flat, it was so pretty. There was a living room and a room for me and my brother, Kareem. The thing I loved the most about our home is that it was a place where we could stay together as a family. I also loved that I had so many toys in my room and our neighbourhood was close to lots of things. I had my own bed and my own desk for studying, as well as my own drawers, bookshelves and closet. I enjoyed when Kareem and I shared some things, like art supplies, balls, and a bicycle.  

Before this war, we lived a very good life where we used to go to school, go out and there was no bombing. Then one day I woke up and heard bombing and rockets coming from everywhere. A huge attack near our house. I did not know what to do – I could not even scream.  

My brother had been playing video games on his tablet, but when he heard the airstrikes he ran crying to my dad and mum. He just ran. My mum tried to calm him down, telling him that we are safe while warning that the loud sounds could happen again.  

On the sixth day of the war, we went to my grandparents’ house. We have lived here for the last 7 months. At first, we could not find water, we could not find enough food, and there was no privacy – the house was full of people who have run away from the bombing. 

One day, I was playing inside when a house nearby was bombed. The noise was very loud and frightening so I ran outside to find my parents. Shrapnel fell on us, like it was raining stones. My uncle’s hand was injured. Now, I am afraid to go out alone. 

I miss my hobbies, my friends and school 

Before the war, I used to go to basketball training and choir practice. I used to go train with my cousins, and our coach helped us to dribble the ball and score points. Sometimes, the coach made us into teams and we played. I remember we won once and it was very good. We have WhatsApp group for the girls in the team. After the war started, they shared photos showing that the playground where we trained was totally destroyed, and the basketballs burnt. Now we can’t train anymore.  

I enjoyed singing in the choir – our instructor said I have a good voice and I should not be shy, and to be brave onstage. At the end of our training, we participated in a concert. I wore my Keffiyeh (a traditional Palestinian scarf), and did my hair and we all wore similar clothes. My parents attended the concert and many journalists took photos because we sang traditional Palestinian songs. I do not know if the place is still there. It is near Al Shifa Hospital and I think all that area has been destroyed. 

I am afraid. What will happen to us? 

Our life now is like a nightmare. Sometimes when they bomb nearby I am afraid if someone gets injured, they will not get medical care because hospitals are overwhelmed. We do not have enough water to shower every day. I am also afraid our food is not good and might contain things which are dangerous for us.

But I am happy my family are all safe. 

I like playing with my cat, Misho, and spending time with my cousins, who we live with now. But we have not been to school for 7 months and that makes me sad – I am afraid I will forget what I learned. I liked the technology class very much: Our teacher taught us how to code, and me and my dad won a prize in a parent and student coding contest. I do not know what happened to my school and my teachers. I also miss Salma, my friend. I really miss them very much.  

I really miss our old life. I miss going to restaurants with my parents. My favorite restaurant was Mazaj. They made good food. I especially enjoyed their pasta with cream and mushrooms. I think they used fresh food, not like now, when all we eat is bad, canned food. Sometimes, I feel hungry but I can’t find anything to eat. When we lived at home, mum would make food for us, like fried eggs. Kareem and I used to sneak to the kitchen, find the Nutella jar and eat it by the spoon. The last time I ate Nutella was before the war. Before, we used to go to the bakery and buy ready bread without any problems; now I help my grandmother prepare food, especially carrying the bread she makes in the clay oven. 

We children could die in our sleep 

I have changed during these months. For example, I stopped asking my parents for things because they do not have money and anyway, things are not available to buy. I also sometimes have to wake up early to get my breakfast because we only prepare 1 meal in the morning, and if someone stays asleep they might not eat.

I used to think the future would be bright but now I do not think so: our future is very dark.  

I want the world to know what it is like to be a child in Gaza now: Children in Gaza could die in their sleep. If they survive, they could have to live their lives without their parents or anyone to care for them. If they survive, they may end up living in harsh conditions in tents on the mud and sand, soaked when it rains. I wish you could send some food to the children or toys that you don’t need anymore. 

I wish one day we can meet children in the UK. I always told my father I want to visit a country that speaks English, to practice my language skills. I wish I had friends to talk with in English. I wish that this war would stop soon – if it did, we would straightaway drive to our house in Gaza. I saw pictures of it destroyed but I do not like to watch them. They made me cry.  

But if they announced a ceasefire, I would run to our room to rescue some of my toys. I would like to get my school certificate, my books and school bags – I hope they are not burned into ash. I dream of meeting my friend Salma in school and seeing my teachers. I wish that everyone could meet their loved ones again, and for peace and no more war. I hope we can live a normal life without any more killing.  

Please help Islamic Relief support people in desperate need in Gaza: Donate to our Palestine Emergency Appeal now. 

Editor’s note: This blog was submitted amid a fast-changing and deepening crisis. The information was correct as of Thursday 20 May 2024.