In October 2023 conflict broke out in Gaza, leading to relentless airstrikes that have devastated the region.
With nearly 90% of the population left homeless, tens of thousands of people have been displaced multiple times as they are forced to move from one unsafe place to another.
Salman is from Gaza. He and his family have been supported by ShelterBox. This is his story.
Salman’s journey
In the last 12 months, Salman has faced unimaginable challenges. Originally from the Turkman neighbourhood in Gaza, he has been forced to evacuate his home numerous times due to bombings and missiles.
Now, he and his family are sheltering in a ShelterBox tent within a designated ‘safe humanitarian zone’. Despite the designation, these zones are often hit with little warning, causing further displacement and instability.
“This is probably my fifteenth or sixteenth evacuation,” Salman shares. He describes the experience of evacuating as “an exile on its own. A process of torment, away from home, which is no longer there.”
“Everyone is scattered”
The conflict in Gaza has torn families apart, forcing people to flee at short notice with very limited communication.
Salman’s family is scattered across different displacement camps in Gaza. He faces the uncertainty of when or if they will be reunited.
“My children are segregated in different places. Everyone is scattered. We don’t know when we’ll be reunited, or how we’ll survive until we meet. It is a severe level of instability. Sometimes it takes months to hear from any of them. No communication, no internet, nothing is available.”
“Receiving [aid] supports us to sustain and survive”
Despite enduring extreme hardship – scorching heat, lack of water, electricity and food – Salman remains resilient.
With the support of SDF and ShelterBox, his family received a tent, mattresses and other essential supplies.
“Receiving them supports us to sustain and survive,” Salman explains. “The tent is suitable, comfortable, and equipped with proper ventilation.”
“Hope is always there”
Despite the turmoil, Salman holds onto hope. He dreams of returning home and reuniting with his loved ones. Many of his neighbours, friends and relatives have lost their lives, but he hopes to reunite with those who have survived and rebuild his life.
“Hope is always there. I have faith in Allah, not in negotiations or declarations, because the news and the international community don’t really understand what we have been through.”
Shelter offers a brief respite for families like Salman’s in times of conflict. Your support can bring hope and a sense of stability to people who have been uprooted from their homes. Help us continue our mission to provide essential aid to those in need.
