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In early October 2023, Palestinian Plestia Alaqad was a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a successful journalist. By the end of November, she would be internationally known as the ''Eyes of Gaza''. Millions of people would be profoundly moved by 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 shares the horrors of her experiences while showcasing the indomitable spirit of the men, women and children that share Plestia''s communities. From the epicentre of turmoil, while bombs rained around her and devastation gripped her people, she witnessed 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 22-year-old woman trying to make her way through a human tragedy, The Eyes of Gaza is a powerful call for peace. It recounts a harrowing experience, but it is not a heart-breaking lamentation. Rather, it is a manifesto for hope, advocating for a better future for Gaza, the Middle East, and our divided world.
About the author
Plestia Alaqad is a Palestinian journalist and author who has emerged as a vital voice in the midst of the destruction in Gaza. At just twenty-one years old, she captivated audiences with her raw and poignant coverage of her surroundings. Through her unflinching dispatches shared on social media, Alaqad has offered the world an unfiltered glimpse into the harrowing realities of life under siege, her experiences resonating deeply with millions across the globe.
In November 2023, as the war escalated, Alaqad and her family were forced to leave Gaza. Since then, she has been awarded the Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Scholarship for a master's in media studies at the American University of Beirut, where she continues to advocate for justice. Her advocacy has transcended borders, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine and calling for freedom and accountability.
Alaqad's remarkable journalism has earned her multiple prestigious accolades, including being named one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2024 and winning the One Young World Journalist of the Year Award, the Lyra McKee Award for Bravery, and a Human Rights Defender Award.
