Harnessing Hope Amidst Havoc: A Young Teacher's Resilience in Gaza**

In her audio diary shared with the BBC, 28-year-old Hanya Aljamal chronicles the upheaval of her world in Gaza post-war declaration. Though displaced and without a school, she finds strength in small gestures of hope, such as children flying kites against the backdrop of destruction, and remains committed to helping her community amidst the chaos.**

Hanya Aljamal, a 28-year-old English teacher from Gaza, finds quiet on her balcony amid the turmoil of war that has shifted her life drastically. Earlier, she was on a promising career path, planning for a Master's in international development, but now the war has uprooted her peace and direction, forcing her to live with her family in a cramped apartment.

Two years ago, she had her own apartment, and life was filled with hopes for the future. Now, as she sips her morning coffee, the stark reality of her surroundings—balconies overlooking war-damaged buildings and the resilient neighbor tending to his garden—paints a different picture of her existence. “It just looks like the purest form of resistance,” she says, admiring the man's determination to grow something beautiful amidst the horror.

The ongoing conflict, which escalated significantly in October 2023, has led to devastating consequences. Around 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, and Hanya counts five different homes since the violence began. The echoes of explosions and distant gunfire have replaced the sound of children in the classroom, a loss that weighs heavily on her and many others in her community. "Finding purpose in this time is hard," she reflects.

Working with Action for Humanity, Hanya engages in projects that provide therapy for girls traumatized by the conflict, helping them navigate the loss of loved ones, homes, and dreams. Despite feeling overwhelmed by her own circumstances, she strives to offer support and solace to those around her.

The skies above Deir al-Balah serve as a bittersweet reminder of life's joys. Watching kites soar represents a fleeting taste of childhood joy in Israel's context of pervasive surveillance. Unfortunately, the tranquility is often shattered by military drones, which she describes as "psychological torture," making it difficult for her to find peace in thoughts.

As Eid al-Adha arrives without the resources to mark its observance, Hanya's family faces the grim reality of food scarcity. The absence of meaningful familial rituals underscores the broader tragedy affecting her community, as she learns of a cousin's death while seeking aid. Loss has become a constant companion, and Hanya feels the weight of grief not just for herself but for the entire community. "Grieving is a luxury many of us can't afford," she acknowledges as she contemplates her relationships with those lost.

At the start of each new day, the horizon offers a fleeting glimpse of beauty, but it contrasts starkly with the devastation surrounding her. Hanya has developed a habit of looking up at the sky, finding respite in its colors while mourning the grey reality of her homeland. In her audio diary, she continues to document her experiences, sharing her story as a testimony to resilience and hope even in the darkest of times.