The Electronic Intifada 29 July 2024
Israel has repeatedly issued evacuation orders to people in Khan Younis over the past few weeks. (Abdullah Abu Al-Khair / APA Images)
Almost 40,000 people have been killed during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, according to official data.
That figure does not include those who have not yet been accounted for.
There are people stuck under the rubble, whom neither civil defense workers nor ambulances have been able to reach.
My friend Neama and her family were stuck under the rubble for a good while after an Israeli attack.
The attack took place as the Israeli army recently ordered people to leave the eastern areas of Khan Younis toward al-Mawasi, another area in southern Gaza. It was one of several such orders over the past month.
The army did not wait for the areas to be evacuated and demolished homes on top of their residents.
The lack of a means of transportation due to the scarcity of fuel has forced some to improvise.
I saw a car pulling a cart with people in it.
When they approached the Dhahra area near al-Mawasi, one of the women fell to the ground but got back up to try to ride again.
People now transport the injured and sick in old vehicles or in aid trucks due to the lack of sufficient ambulances.
“Psychologically tired”
My friend Neama is a beautiful and kind girl who helped me in many internet searches for news about what was really going on. She had a device that facilitated this.
Neama was trapped under the rubble for a while. She is now in Nasser Medical Complex, Khan Younis, being treated for what are considered minor injuries.
Our mutual friend Raghad said Neama did not tell her many details. Neama was “psychologically tired,” according to Raghad.
Neama’s two sisters were killed in the attack.
Neama and I used to sit for hours talking about our plans but now she chooses to remain silent.
Yes, life is difficult, but without my friends, it becomes more difficult.
I still cry and pray for you, my friend Neama.
Do you know what the last picture Neama sent me was?
It was a picture of an unexploded missile.
I will write about you until I meet you again, Neama.
You and your sisters are not numbers.
Donya Ahmad Abu Sitta is a writer in Gaza.
