for the first time in over a year, the skies over Gaza fell silent on Sunday as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect.This respite allowed hundreds of aid trucks to cross into the beleaguered Palestinian enclave, offering a glimmer of hope to its 2.1 million residents.
The past 15 months of relentless Israeli bombardment have left Gaza in ruins, plunging its people into a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions.Hunger, disease, and a dire lack of medical care have become everyday realities for those struggling to survive.
While the ceasefire has enabled a important increase in humanitarian aid,the United Nations has cautioned that this is “only a start.” The scale of the devastation demands far more then temporary relief.
here’s a closer look at the urgent crises gripping Gaza:
Displacement: Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many forced to flee their homes “some 10 times or more,” according to the UN. Families now huddle in makeshift tents, exposed to the harsh elements and devoid of basic necessities.
The Power of poetry in Gaza: A Lifeline Amidst Adversity
In the heart of Gaza, where the echoes of conflict reverberate daily, a unique form of resistance has emerged: poetry. Since 2018, the Gaza Poets Society, founded by Muhammad Moussa, has become a sanctuary for voices seeking to heal, document, and communicate the realities of life under siege. This spoken word collective is not just a platform for artistic expression—it’s a lifeline for those who find solace in the written word.
For many members of the society, poetry is more than an art form; it’s a means of survival. Maha Jabrah, one of the poets in the group, emphasizes the importance of writing as a way to process the trauma of living in a war-torn region. “Poetry allows us to reclaim our narrative,” she says. “It’s a way to assert our humanity amidst the chaos.”
The Gaza Poets Society has faced its share of challenges. Writers and educators in the region have often been targeted, making their work not just a creative endeavor but also an act of bravery. Despite these obstacles, the group continues to thrive, offering a space where individuals can share their stories and find solidarity in their shared experiences.
In 2021, interviews with members of the collective revealed the profound impact of their work.For many, poetry is a way to document the struggles of their community, preserving memories that might otherwise be lost.It’s also a tool for healing, helping individuals cope with the emotional scars of conflict. “When I write, I feel like I’m stitching together the pieces of my broken heart,” says one poet.
The society’s work extends beyond personal catharsis. By sharing their poetry with the world,these writers are raising awareness about the realities of life in Gaza. Their words serve as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, creativity and resilience endure.
As the Gaza Poets Society continues to grow, its members remain committed to their craft. In a place where words are often silenced, they are persistent to keep speaking out. Their poetry is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, proving that even in the face of adversity, art can thrive.
“Poetry allows us to reclaim our narrative. It’s a way to assert our humanity amidst the chaos.” — Maha Jabrah
For those who wish to support the Gaza Poets Society, sharing their work and amplifying their voices is a powerful way to make a difference. In a world that frequently enough overlooks the struggles of marginalized communities, their poetry is a call to action—a reminder that every voice deserves to be heard.
In the heart of Gaza, a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions continues to unfold. The region, already burdened by decades of conflict, now faces a dire shortage of clean water. Reports indicate that the majority of available water sources are contaminated, leaving families with no choice but to consume what is often unsafe. Tents, now makeshift homes for thousands, are surrounded by streets filled with overflowing sewage.Heartbreaking accounts reveal children resorting to drinking from puddles,a stark reminder of the extreme conditions they endure. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has condemned the situation, labeling the sanitary conditions as “inhumane.” In August 2024, the crisis deepened when an 11-month-old boy became the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years, a direct result of the destruction of sanitation systems during Israel’s military campaign.
The devastation extends beyond water and sanitation. Education, a fundamental right for every child, has been all but erased in Gaza.Over 95% of schools have been either partially or completely destroyed, leaving thousands of children without access to learning. The Israeli military has repeatedly accused Hamas of using schools and civilian shelters as operational bases,a claim that has further complicated efforts to rebuild the educational infrastructure. For the children of Gaza, the loss of schools is not just a temporary setback but a long-term crisis that threatens their future.
The human cost of the conflict is staggering. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 46,913 Palestinians have lost their lives since the war began. however, self-reliant studies suggest that the actual death toll is considerably higher than official figures. The true scale of the tragedy remains obscured, underscoring the urgent need for clarity and accountability in reporting the impact of the conflict.
As the world watches, the people of Gaza continue to endure unimaginable hardships. The international community faces a pressing moral obligation to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region. Immediate action is required to restore access to clean water, rebuild schools, and provide the medical care needed to prevent further loss of life. The time to act is now, before the crisis deepens into an even greater tragedy.
How does poetry help Gazans cope wiht the trauma and emotional stress of living in a conflict zone?
Interview: The transformative Power of Poetry in Gaza with Muhammad Moussa, Founder of the Gaza Poets Society
In the midst of the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, the Gaza Poets society has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. Founded by Muhammad moussa,the collective has provided a platform for Gazans to express their experiences,heal their wounds,and assert their humanity through poetry.we sat down with moussa to discuss the role of poetry in a conflict zone and the impact of their work on individuals and the wider community.
archyde: Muhammad, thank you for joining us. The Gaza Poets Society has become a symbol of resilience in Gaza. What inspired you to create this platform?
Muhammad Moussa: Thank you for having me. The idea came from a place of necessity. In 2018, the situation in Gaza was deteriorating rapidly, and people were struggling not just physically but emotionally and mentally. I noticed that many of us were carrying this unspoken pain, and I realized that poetry could be a way to channel those feelings. It started as a small gathering of friends, but it quickly grew into something much larger. Poetry became a way to document our lives,to connect with each other,and to remind the world that we are more than just statistics in a conflict.
Archyde: The society has faced numerous challenges, including targeted attacks on writers and educators. How do you navigate these risks?
muhammad Moussa: It’s not easy. We’ve lost friends and members to the violence, and there’s always a fear that speaking out could make you a target. But we believe that our voices are too significant to silence. We’ve learned to be strategic—sometimes we meet in secret, and we use social media to share our work globally. The risks are real, but so is the need for our poetry. It’s a risk we’re willing to take because we believe in the power of our words.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned that poetry is a means of survival for many members. Can you elaborate on how it helps people cope?
Muhammad Moussa: Absolutely. For many of us, poetry is a form of therapy. When you’re living in a place where every day could be your last, when you’re surrounded by loss and destruction, it’s easy to feel helpless. writng allows us to process those emotions, to make sense of the chaos. It’s a way to reclaim our narrative, to assert our humanity in a situation that tries to strip it away.
One of our poets, Maha Jabrah, often says that writing feels like stitching together the pieces of a broken heart. That’s what poetry does—it helps us heal, even if it’s just a little at a time.
Archyde: The society’s work also raises awareness about life in Gaza. How critically important is it for the world to hear these stories?
Muhammad Moussa: it’s crucial. The media often reduces Gaza to a place of conflict, but we are more than that.We are people with dreams, with families, with stories to tell. Our poetry gives a voice to those who are often overlooked. It’s a way to show the world that we are not just victims—we are artists, thinkers, and survivors.
When people read or listen to our poetry, they get a glimpse into our lives in a way that news headlines can’t convey. It humanizes us, and that’s powerful.
Archyde: The recent ceasefire has allowed for increased humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, but the UN has cautioned that this is only the beginning. How has the society been impacted by the conflict over the past 15 months?
Muhammad Moussa: It’s been devastating. So many of our members have lost loved ones, their homes, everything they’ve ever known. The constant bombardment has made it difficult to meet or even find a safe space to write. But despite everything, we’ve continued. We’ve held virtual workshops, shared our work online, and even performed in the rubble of our homes.
The ceasefire has given us a brief moment of respite,but we certainly no it won’t last forever. That’s why we’re even more determined to keep writing, to keep sharing our stories. The world needs to know what’s happening here, and we won’t stop until they do.
archyde: What message would you like to share with the world through your poetry?
Muhammad Moussa: I want people to understand that we are more than this conflict.We are mothers, fathers, children, and friends. We are poets, dreamers, and fighters. Despite everything we’ve been through, we refuse to let go of our humanity.
Our poetry is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is light. It’s a call for empathy, for justice, and for peace. we may be trapped in Gaza, but our words are free, and they will continue to echo long after this war is over.
Archyde: Thank you, Muhammad, for sharing your story and the work of the Gaza Poets Society. Your courage and resilience are an inspiration.
Muhammad Moussa: Thank you. it’s important that our voices are heard. We will keep writing, keep fighting, and keep hoping for a better future.
The Gaza Poets Society stands as a testament to the enduring power of art in the face of adversity.through their work,they remind us that even in the darkest times,the human spirit cannot be silenced.
