Gaza City, Palestine – Olga Cherevko recently embarked on a mission to the Gaza Strip with a team from OCHA to provide support amidst the area’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Throughout her journey, she encountered the harsh realities faced by millions of individuals in Gaza on a daily basis.
In the midst of war planes and explosions that reverberate through the air in Gaza, a sense of normalcy can be observed on a small stretch of the coastal road. Children play along the beach, adults engage in leisurely activities, and camels graze peacefully – a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos.
Having previously worked in Gaza from 2014 to 2017, Cherevko returned to the region to find a landscape marred by tragedy and suffering. The challenges began even before reaching Gaza, as the team navigated through numerous checkpoints on their way into the Strip via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, the sole passenger crossing still operational.
Upon entering Gaza City, Cherevko witnessed the devastating toll of conflict and hardship. What was once a familiar neighborhood had been reduced to rubble, with remnants of lives shattered by war scattered amidst the destruction. The profound loss and resilience of the people she encountered left a lasting impact on her perspective.
Among those she met was Mai, a mother whose young son suffers from a severe heart condition. When asked about her hopes for the future, Mai expressed a desire to return to her home, despite knowing that it no longer exists. Her poignant words encapsulate the heartbreak and longing felt by many in Gaza who yearn for a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
Throughout her journey, Cherevko heard stories of resilience, loss, and hope from individuals who have endured unimaginable suffering. The conversations she had with former colleagues and residents illuminated the harsh realities of life in Gaza, where safety is a luxury and uncertainty looms over the future.
As Cherevko reflects on her experiences in Gaza, she remains committed to raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis gripping the region. Through her firsthand account, she sheds light on the struggles faced by millions in Gaza and the urgent need for continued support and assistance.