Watan – In the heart of the Gaza turmoil, a poignant voice emerged — that of a senior Palestinian woman, resilient through the Israeli bombardments. She passionately voiced her indelible bond to her homeland, saying, “I have been here since before the dawn of Israel, having been born in 1944. No attempts to erase our identity or displace us by the Israeli authorities will waver my connection to this land.”
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A video that has since captured the attention online portrays her figure, clad in traditional Palestinian garb. Engaging with an unseen activist off-camera, she playfully responded when asked about her well-being, “Did you come merely to check on me?” He warmly retorted, “No, I came to truly know you.”
A Portrait of Resilience Amid Strife
As their dialogue deepened, he tried to infuse levity into the moment, observing, “You have such striking blue eyes; everyone is eager to know how you fare.” With a light-hearted correction, she responded, “They are green, not blue.” His admiration evident, the activist chuckled, “Ma’am, your spirit is truly infectious and heartwarming.” With a gesture of gratitude and humility, she signaled to the heavens above.
Introducing himself as Saleh, she blessed him by saying, “God willing, you’re good (Salih).” The senior woman then showed an old clay oven, stating, “I’ve been baking with it for 25 years.” The activist, sitting beside her, remarked, “You are older than Israel.” She responded affirmatively and began reciting a part of a folk poem that embodies resilience. A few lines of the poem read, “Even if my land becomes scarce, and my people turn harsh, my affection remains.”
Continued Israeli Aggression on Gaza
For the 18th consecutive day, the Israeli occupation continued its massacres against civilians in the Gaza Strip. Residential areas and hospitals faced bombardments, resulting in hundreds of casualties in the past 24 hours.
Israeli aircraft continued their raids on the Gaza Strip on Monday. Israeli warplanes bombed the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in central Gaza City and the Al-Quds Hospital in West Gaza. On Sunday night, Israeli fighter jets launched dozens of missiles and explosive bombs on the town and camp of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.