The Eyes of Gaza

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Eyes of Gaza offers an intimate glimpse through the eyes of 22-year-old Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad, capturing the experience of living through the first 45 days of the 2023 genocide in Gaza. Formatted in the style of a series of diary extracts - reminiscent of Plestia's own journal, and her poignant social media posts during the peak of the crisis - the book endeavours to illustrate the expected horrors of her experience while also showcasing the indomitable spirit and innate humanity of the people of Gaza. This book catalogues a tapestry of deeply human experiences, telling the heartfelt stories of the men, women and children that share Plestia's communities. From the epicentre of turmoil, while bombs rained around her and devastation gripped her people, she witnessed their emotions, their gentle acts of quiet, necessary heroism, and the moments of unexpected tenderness and vulnerability amidst the chaos. The Eyes of Gaza is not just a memoir. Through human stories - through the raw honesty and vulnerability of an average 22-year-old woman trying to make her way through a turbulent world - it serves as a call to action. It seeks to compel a community into solidarity, a nation into transformation, and the wider world into a pursuit for peace. This book is the recounting of a terrible time in the world, but it stands not as a heartbreaking lamentation to a life stolen from Plestia Alaqad; on the contrary, it is a manifesto for hope, advocating for a better fate for Gaza, her home, and a brighter future for all.

Author Bio

Plestia Alaqad, a Palestinian journalist and poet, has emerged as a vital voice in the midst of the Israel-Gaza war, offering the world a poignant and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of its destruction. At just 22 years old, Alaqad has captivated an international audience with her gripping coverage, which erupted on October 7, 2023. Through her social media channels, she has shared the harrowing realities of life under siege, her vivid dispatches resonating deeply with millions across the globe. As the war intensified, November 2023 saw Alaqad and her family forced to flee Gaza, escaping the relentless bombardment first to Egypt, and then to Australia. Now settled in Beirut, Alaqad continues to wield her voice with unwavering conviction, illuminating the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people. Her advocacy transcends borders, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and calling for justice and freedom. Plestia Alaqad's story is one of extraordinary bravery and resilience. Her eloquent chronicles not only document the devastation of her homeland but also serve as a powerful call to action, urging the world to recognize and respond to the profound injustices faced by the Palestinian people.