Sonia Silva has been working in the besieged enclave since early November 2023, just a month after Hamas’ terrorist attack and other armed groups in southern Israel who triggered the brutal conflict.
She spoke to UN News About the misery that people have known in recent days.
“During my year and eight months in Gaza, last week was by far the worst. The only comparable experience was Rafah’s foray in May 2024, when the border was closed, but this week was much more intense.
I live Unicef Accommodation in Deir Al-Balah, a city in the center of Gaza.
Sonia Silva, UNICEF office manager in Gaza.
When you drive from South to North to the Gaza Strip, it seems that there has just been a major natural disaster. The level of destruction has reached an unprecedented scale, a devastating civil infrastructure and whole neighborhoods.
Buildings are no longer standing. People live in destroyed houses, tents and the streets.
Seeing humanity in this condition is frightening and fills me with a feeling of misfortune and fear.
Terrifying offensive
Deir al-Balah is or had been different.
It is one of the few places in the Gaza Strip where urban infrastructure remains. He was somewhat spared from other areas.
It was until last Sunday evening, when a terrifying offensive was unleashed on Deir al-Balah.
I have not yet seen the level of destruction in the past few days, but the reports indicate that it is important.
A building was destroyed by an explosion of rocket just 100 meters from the place where I sleep normally.
But, for 72 hours my colleagues and I barely slept. The explosions and shots were incessant.
It’s stronger than you.
Your body knows that something is wrong and is in a higher state of vigilance.
I was not afraid, but I was deeply concerned about my national colleagues who were very close to the cross fires and who tried to comfort young children.
Families evacuate from Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip
I am lucky because I am an international official and I am entitled to a break. Every 4 to 6 weeks, I can leave, I rest, I recharge my batteries.
But, not my Palestinian colleagues and their families, who have been living this for more than 21 months, who have lost everything, their loved ones and their personal effects.
They cannot go out.
UNICEF staff vaccine children against polio in September 2024.
Current food shortages make matters worse. This affects the entire population, including our first -line partners, our national colleagues and all support employees.
What struck me the most in Gaza was that despite the difficulties, colleagues continue, colleagues continue to tease each other, colleagues who have lost everything show the greatest generosity and solidarity.
I would like to pay tribute to all my colleagues and our partners who cling to fragments of hope for a better life but who always keep essential services on the move.
They are the best of humanity in a place abandoned by humanity. »»
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
