It just never seems to end. Explosions, air-raid sirens blaring and people diving for cover, houses reduced to rubble – all of this happens so often in the endless cycle of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that the world has come to accept it as “normal”.
But a 10-year-old girl shook people around the world out of their apathy with a video that’s gone viral. Standing in front of the ruins of her neighbour’s home in Gaza with tears streaming down her face, Nadine Abdel-Taif showed there’s nothing normal about living in a war zone.
“I can’t do anything,” the Palestinian child said. “You see all of this. What do you expect me to do? Fix it? I’m only 10. I can’t deal with this anymore. All of this when I see it, I literally cry every day. I said to myself, ‘Why do we deserve this?’ ”
At the time of going to print the death toll caused by Israeli air strikes in the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip, a 40km stretch of land sandwiched between Israel and Egypt – which is by far the worst-hit area in the latest conflict – stood at well over 200. This includes at least 47 children.
This is the fourth war young teens have lived through – they know what it’s like to spend nights lying under tables blocking their ears in a futile bid to drown out the sound of bombs.
In southern parts of Israel children also know what’s it’s like to wake up to the sound of wailing sirens warning them to take cover.
In the past few weeks Hamas, the militant Palestinian group that rules Gaza, has fired more than 3 300 rockets into Israeli territory, according to the Israeli Air Force.
This story is from the 3 June 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 3 June 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines