Ayish Younis, 89, reflects on his long history with war and displacement in Gaza. I rode away on a camel with my grandmother, along a sandy road, and I started to cry, he recalls a pivotal moment from 1948 that started a life of upheaval and loss.

His family, like thousands of others, fled their home in the village of Barbara during the first Arab-Israeli war. At that time, the fear of violence drove them directly into the arms of uncertainty, ultimately leading them to Gaza.

Ayish's story illustrates the continuing cycle of displacement, as in 2023, under evacuation orders due to conflict, he found himself once more living in a tent after the loss of his home in Rafah.

Throughout his life, Ayish has faced numerous wars and the resulting despair in the region. Now, even as there have been pledges and hopes for reconstruction, he sees little prospect for a sustainable future in Gaza, stating, I don't believe Gaza has any future. His thoughts are echoed by many in his family and community as they contemplate the substantial rebuilding needed after decades of strife.

Amidst the devastation, he clings to memories of his childhood village and yearns for the fruit he used to taste there, emphasizing a longing for a lost life and normalcy. His family dynamics continue to evolve as his children and grandchildren navigate the challenges posed to their futures.

This deep-seated story of resilience against the backdrop of conflict serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of war on human lives and the enduring hope for peace, even in the bleakest of circumstances.