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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.
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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.
