Palestinian Americans watch with dread as family members in Gaza struggle to stay alive

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In the midst of an unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestinian Americans like Laila El-Haddad find themselves on a relentless mission to raise awareness about the dire situation faced by their fellow Palestinians. From her home office in Columbia, Maryland, El-Haddad juggles a flurry of phone calls from both journalists seeking her expertise on Gaza and Palestinian Americans seeking help from their local elected officials. Amid this frantic activity, the 45-year-old mother and author checks WhatsApp for updates from her family members in Gaza, where electricity and internet access have become scarce commodities due to Israeli actions.

The overwhelming feeling among Palestinian Americans is one of helplessness and despair as they grapple with the uncertainty of their loved ones’ well-being in Gaza. With a critical shortage of fuel, water, and electricity, and the looming threat of a ground invasion by Israel in response to Hamas’ attacks, providing aid to civilians in Gaza has become nearly impossible. The Gaza Health Ministry reports a devastating toll, with over 2,200 people, including hundreds of children and women, having lost their lives in the recent days of bombardment. Tragically, this number is expected to rise as the crisis deepens.

Even before this current crisis, visiting family in Gaza was a complex and challenging endeavor for Palestinian Americans. Unlike their Israeli American counterparts, they have never had the freedom to assist their loved ones during times of crisis. Mohammad AbuLughod, residing in a Milwaukee suburb, receives fragmented updates from his family in Gaza through a solar-charged cell phone. The messages paint a harrowing picture of life under constant threat, with buildings reduced to rubble, children dying, and the stark reality that when the bombs fall, they may die together.

Deanna Othman, living in a Chicago suburb, received a heart-wrenching message from her young nephew in Gaza, who expressed the fear that it might be their last conversation. Haneen Okal, a Palestinian American stuck in Gaza with her three young children, is desperately seeking evacuation after Israeli airstrikes rendered the Rafah crossing inoperable. She pleads with the U.S. government to help her family return home to safety.

The anguish of Palestinian Americans is compounded by the stark contrast with Israelis abroad who rush to offer support and assistance during times of crisis. Palestinian Americans have never had the same options, leaving them feeling powerless as they watch their families in Gaza struggle for safety.

For many, this crisis evokes the painful memories of the 1948 Nakba, when Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes during the creation of Israel. The fear now is that the Palestinians in Gaza, like those from 1948, may never be able to return to their homeland. Amidst this trauma, identity remains a vital anchor for those who have lost their land and homes.

As the world bears witness to the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, Palestinian Americans like Hani Almadhoun dedicate themselves to providing aid through organizations like UNRWA USA, despite the immense challenges. The toll on Gaza is devastating, with no easy solutions in sight, and the hope remains that accountability will eventually prevail in the face of unimaginable suffering.

The pain and suffering of Palestinian Americans are palpable, as they strive to make the world aware of the ongoing crisis in Gaza and support their loved ones from afar. The road ahead is uncertain, but their determination to raise their voices for justice remains unwavering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

More about Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

• Gaza Crisis: A Humanitarian Perspective
• History of the Nakba: The 1948 Palestinian Exodus
• UNRWA USA: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
• Israel-Gaza Conflict: What You Need to Know