A diary-memoir from a 21-year-old Palestinian journalist, recalling her firsthand experience during the first forty-five days of the 2023-25 invasion of Gaza.

''Left me both devastated and inspired'' - Macklemore ''Transforms pain into poetry'' - Rupi Kaur ''[A] joyful, tragic account of life in Gaza'' - Miriam Margolyes At the beginning of October 2023, Plestia Alaqad was a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a journalist. By the end of that November, her social media posts depicting daily life in Gaza amid Israel''s deadly invasion and bombardment would profoundly move millions of people. She would become internationally known as the ''Eyes of Gaza''. Written as a series of diary extracts, The Eyes of Gaza relates the horrors of Plestia''s experiences, while showcasing the indomitable spirit of the men, women and children who share her communities. From the epicentre of the turmoil, while bombs rain down and devastation reigns, she is witness to their emotions; their gentle acts of quiet, necessary heroism; and the moments of unexpected tenderness and vulnerability amid the chaos. Through the raw honesty and vulnerability of a normal twenty-one-year-old woman trying to make her way through a human tragedy, The Eyes of Gaza is a potent reminder of the horrors of violence and a powerful testament to the human spirit. It is a deeply intimate love letter to a girl''s home: demolished before her eyes, but forever present in her heart.

Autorentext

Plestia Alaqad, a Palestinian journalist and poet, has emerged as a vital voice in the midst of the chaos in Gaza, offering the world a poignant and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of its destruction. At just 22 years old, Alaqad has captivated an international audience with her gripping coverage, which erupted on October 7, 2023. Through her social media channels, she has shared the harrowing realities of life under siege, her vivid dispatches resonating deeply with millions across the globe.

As the fighting intensified, November 2023 saw Alaqad and her family forced to leave Gaza. She has since been awarded the Shireen Abu Akhleh Memorial Scholarship, for a master's in media studies, at the American University of Beirut. Alaqad continues to wield her voice with unwavering conviction, illuminating the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people. Her advocacy transcends borders, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and calling for justice and freedom.

In 2024, Plestia was named as one of the BBC's 100 Women of the Year, and as One Young World's Journalist of the Year.

Klappentext

**'[A] joyful, tragic account of life in Gaza' - Miriam Margolyes

'Left me both devastated and inspired' - Macklemore**

'Transforms pain into poetry' - Rupi Kaur

In early October 2023, Plestia Alaqad was a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a journalist. By the end of that November, she would be internationally known as the 'Eyes of Gaza', moving millions with her social media posts depicting daily life in Gaza amid Israel's deadly invasion and bombardment.

Written as a series of diary extracts, The Eyes of Gaza relates the horrors of Plestia's experiences, while showcasing the indomitable spirit of the men, women and children of her community. From the heart of the turmoil, surrounded by falling bombs and widespread devastation, she captures their emotions; their gentle acts of quiet, necessary heroism; and the moments of unexpected tenderness and vulnerability amid the chaos.

Through the raw honesty and vulnerability of a normal twenty-one-year-old woman navigating a human tragedy, The Eyes of Gaza is a potent reminder of the horrors of violence and a powerful testament to the human spirit.