SAN ANTONIO — Mona Abdalla prays for the day when she can once again hear the voice of her cousin, who is fighting to survive in war-torn Gaza alongside family.
The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians goes back more than six decades. Over 700,0000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in 1948 during the establishment of the State of Israel.
Abdalla fears for the safety of her cousin, Zaheera El Tayeh, who’s in her 70s and takes care of her amputee husband along with several children and grandchildren.
“Every time they bomb any area in Gaza I freak out, because I’m not sure if she will be impacted or not,” Abdalla said.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and capturing hundreds of civilians.
Israel responded with a major air and ground offensive with the hopes of wiping out Hamas. As a result of Israel’s military campaign, the Gaza Health Ministry estimates more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of whom are women and children.
Abdalla stays updated through international news outlets and social media, coming across grim images of death and destruction. She’s able to learn about her cousin’s whereabouts through relatives.
The International Rescue Committee estimated nearly 1.7 million Palestinians (about 75% of the population) are internally displaced throughout Gaza.
“There is no safe place in Gaza. For me it’s so sad. It takes a toll on me. I cry every day,” Abdalla said. “My cousin’s house was demolished, her daughter’s house was demolished. She moved like seven times since October 7, running for her life and her family’s life.”
On Sunday, Israel initiated an airstrike in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, killing scores of civilians at a displacement camp while also neutralizing two Hamas leaders, according to Israeli officials.
The attack prompted international outrage over the swelling humanitarian crisis as the Palestinian death toll increases.
President Joe Biden announced on Friday a multi-phased proposal for an Israeli cease-fire.
"Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal," Biden said. "It's a roadmap to an enduring cease-fire and the release of all hostages. This proposal has been transmitted by Qatar to Hamas."
Whether the truce leads to permanent resolution remains to be seen. In the meantime, Abdalla continues waiting to see her cousin again.
“No power, no water, no food, no electricity, no internet, no hygiene supplies. No diapers for the babies. It’s very tough," she said. "These are human beings (are) like you and me, and all they’re looking for is freedom, dignity and peace."
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