REVIVING RESILIENCE FROM THE TENTS - GAZA (2024)

Abstract

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in unprecedented levels of physical and psychological suffering among its residents, with families experiencing repeated and forced displacement amid violence and destruction. This paper explores the profound challenges faced by Gazans, detailing their struggles for survival while emphasising their remarkable resilience. Through a mixed methodology that includes life diaries and qualitative interviews conducted by the field researchers actively engaged with displaced communities, the study highlights the lived experiences of families enduring multiple displacements, often under threat of violence and deprivation of basic human needs. The literature review situates the Gaza experience within the broader context of displacement studies, revealing key themes such as community dynamics, psychological impacts, and the role of cultural identity in fostering resilience. Findings demonstrate that despite the dire conditions of makeshift camps, Gazans exhibit incredible resourcefulness and solidarity, adapting to their harsh realities through communal support systems and cultural preservation. The study underscores the significance of social networks in mitigating trauma, suggesting that resilience is not merely an individual trait but a collective endeavour. While this paper raises awareness of Gaza's humanitarian needs, it also offers insights into the resilience strategies employed by its displaced populations.