Palestinian Author Finds Hope in Cousin's Escape from Gaza
A Palestinian author has found solace in the departure of their cousin, Malak Tantesh, from the Gaza Strip. The author, who was forced to flee their hometown Beit Lahia, saw Malak's exit as a departure from the constant fear and pain they had experienced.
The author's journey began on October 13, 2023, when they were forced to leave their home without a chance to say goodbye. They were unable to return, even to visit their father's grave, as they fled the north of the Gaza Strip. The author's father had gone to a bombed house to retrieve some belongings and never returned.
Now, the author lives in different tents, having lost their independence and privacy. They carry the key to their home in their pocket, a constant reminder of the life they left behind. Despite the hardship, the author dreams of seeing an airplane that will take them away from the Gaza Strip, rather than being a harbinger of death from above.
Malak Tantesh, the author's cousin, left the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom border, eventually settling in Britain. The author writes these words to Malak, expressing hope for a reunion free from fear, worry, or loss. The author's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
