Gazans in West Bank fear for their loved ones
Roughly 15,000 Gazans live in Ramallah and are gripped with fear each time Israel strikes civilian targets in the Gaza Strip.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — With each raid that Israeli planes launch on the Gaza Strip, Sameh, 38, grabs his mobile phone and calls his family there to make sure they’re fine.
Sameh, who preferred to give his first name only, hailed from the Gaza Strip, which he left 20 years ago. He works in Ramallah. “I'm constantly and persistently following what is happening. I sit at the breakfast table, with my phone by my side. I contact my parents and friends as soon as I hear about a raid in any region close to my family. I even take my phone with me into the shower,” he told Al-Monitor.
Sameh who spends most of his time in front of the computer and TV to watch the news, said, “The Israeli offensive on Gaza has shortened distances and brought us closer. But, it upsets me to see the images of neighbors under the rubble. I'm sad for the innocent and the houses that used to shelter and accommodate us.”
“It is very painful to see what was once yours damaged, but that is the fate of those who want freedom,” he added bitterly.
