A Glimpse of Gaza: a deeply personal view of the conflict through the eyes of resident Anas Arafat
On the frontlines of Gaza’s ongoing suffering, amid the rubble of homes and shattered lives, one name has become synonymous with hope and resilience. Anas Mohammed Arafat, a Palestinian lawyer and the director of two volunteer relief teams, has spent years providing aid to his community, even in the most harrowing of times. His story is not just one of humanitarian work; it is a story of survival, of defiance against overwhelming odds, and of an unwavering commitment to the land and people he calls home.
The Gaza Conflict: A Tragedy of Unfolding Lives
The situation in Gaza remains one of the most harrowing conflicts in the world. Following the recent escalation in 2023, which saw brutal bombardments from Israeli forces targeting Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, the situation only worsened. On October 7, 2023, violence erupted after a series of surprise attacks from Gaza’s Hamas faction 1,400 Israelis were killed and around 250 Israelis were taken hostage, which led to devastating retaliatory strikes. By the time a fragile ceasefire was declared on November 22, 2023, over 20,000 Palestinians had been killed, and tens of thousands more had been displaced. Israel reported significant losses as well, but the devastation on Gaza’s population was catastrophic, with entire neighbourhoods levelled to the ground.
As of today, January 31, 2025, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing rebuilding efforts amid sporadic flare-ups of violence the ceasefire is on stage 2 after releasing hostages from both sides.
While international powers, including the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, brokered the ceasefire, the situation remains in flux, with Gaza’s residents living in constant fear of the next conflict. As Mr Anas Arafat explained: “The ceasefire was a moment of both joy and sorrow. We were relieved to see our families and friends return, but their homes were gone, their lives shattered.”
During this nightmare, Mr Arafat’s efforts have provided a glimmer of light. Leading two volunteer teams, Plan the Land and the Khair Mix Khair groups, he has been at the helm of critical humanitarian efforts, ranging from providing food and legal assistance to restoring homes destroyed in previous wars.
Anas Arafat: A Lawyer on a Mission of Humanity
Mr. Anas Arafat’s life is a testament to the power of the human spirit when it refused to bow to tyranny. Born in northern Gaza, Mr. Anas’s commitment to his people began well before the latest conflict, as he explained to Buzz this week: “I have been the director of the Plant The Land team for more than eight years. And in that time, we have helped countless families, from providing potable water to restoring homes destroyed by previous wars.”
A touching example of their work involves Shahad, a young child whose life was saved with the help of doctors in Australia. “We provided cash sponsorships for orphans and even restored homes that were destroyed, “Mr Anas recalls.
He added: “In Shahad’s case, we managed to transfer her to Australia for treatment. She was sick for a year, but, thanks to God, she recovered. Unfortunately, after the latest Israeli military attacks, her health worsened. We’re now working to send more children abroad for care.”
His teams are driven by a singular mission: to alleviate suffering without compensation.
The teams Mr Arafat leads have managed to bring relief to the most vulnerable during some of Gaza’s darkest days. He recalls a remarkable achievement when his team helped construct a water well in one of Gaza’s most deprived neighbourhoods, alleviating a dire shortage of clean water.
“For many families, this was lifesaving. We didn’t just give them water; we gave them hope. We gave them a reason to hold on.” he said.
In addition to practical aid, Mr Arafat and his teams offer legal support, providing free consultations to families grappling with employment disputes or personal issues.
“A legal consultation might seem small to some, but here, it’s a lifeline,” he noted, reflecting on the difficult circumstances families often face in the wake of destruction.
For Mr Arafat, the work goes beyond physical aid—it is about protecting the dignity of the Palestinian people.
“We are not just giving food or money. We are restoring dignity, piece by piece,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet yet powerful conviction.
The Price of Defiance
Mr Arafat’s unwavering commitment to his cause has come at a tremendous personal cost. His own home was destroyed during the conflict after he was warned by Israeli forces to cease his humanitarian work. Despite the threat of the Israeli military forces, Mr Arafat continued his mission. “When they destroyed my home, I didn’t care. We didn’t stop our activities, we continued to help people as much as we could.”
He added, “I told my daughter, do not be sad, do not cry. The people will rebuild Gaza. As long as the Palestinians stay in their land, Gaza will return more beautiful, and I am certain that freedom will come one day”, his words sharp, tinged with both pain and pride.
His personal story mirrors the collective struggle of Gaza’s population. Mr Arafat emphasizes that the destruction of his home is a symbol of the larger crisis facing his people: “It wasn’t just my home; it was the home of every Palestinian. Every stone, every structure was part of our resistance.”
Rejecting Displacement: “We will not leave. Gaza is our land.”
The question of displacement has been a contentious one throughout the conflict. The Israeli government, alongside certain international allies like the USA with Trump, had floated the idea of relocating Gaza’s population.
Mr Arafat, however, is adamant in rejecting this notion: It has been our home for generations, and we will not abandon it—no matter what.”
This sentiment is echoed by thousands of Gazans who, despite their homes being reduced to rubble, have refused to leave. “Even when our homes are destroyed, we will rebuild. We will not give up. The land of Gaza belongs to us, and we will stay here no matter what,” Mr Arafat insisted.
In his opinion, the idea of Palestinians being displaced is not just an affront to their rights but a direct assault on their dignity and identity: “Displacement is a death sentence for our people. We will not allow Gaza to be erased from the map. This land is sacred to us, and we will continue to fight for our right to live here.”
The Heart of Gaza: A Call for Peace and Rebuilding
Mr Arafat’s explains that is not for vengeance but for justice and peace. He speaks of rebuilding Gaza, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally, restoring what has been broken by decades of violence: “Gaza will rise again, stronger, and more beautiful. It will be a city of peace, not of war. It is the people who build Gaza, not the buildings. The soul of Gaza is in its people, and as long as they remain, Gaza will never fall.”
Mr Arafat is resolute in his vision: Gaza will not just survive; it will thrive: “We teach our children that this land is ours, and we must protect it. We will rebuild it better than before. Gaza will be a symbol of resistance, of hope, and of peace.”
A Future of Justice
For Anas Arafat, the struggle is about more than survival—it’s about reclaiming the dignity and freedom of the Palestinian people. “One day, Gaza will be free. One day, Palestine will be free,” he concluded, his voice steady yet imbued with the certainty of a man who has seen and endured much.
As the world watches, the voices of those like Anas Arafat continue to call for justice. In the face of unimaginable loss, the people of Gaza stand firm united in their resistance. For them, Gaza is not just a place—it is a promise, a legacy, and a future they will never relinquish.
Anas Arafat’s words are a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can survive. It is not in the buildings or the land but in the hearts of those who refuse to be broken.
Poole Museum’s trustees step down