STORY: :: Despite the challenges, this nineteen year-old Gazan student is hopeful for the future

:: Khan Younis, Gaza

:: January 21, 2025

:: Nour al-Ain al-Shana, Student

"I was a university student. I still have big worry, how I will complete my education, because there is no university in Gaza - there is no education. So I wonder, how I will complete my education, I will live in a home like people. I want to be a girl like other girls around the world, I want to take my education in this place, without being bombed."

"The ceasefire for us is like a beautiful thing that happened to us, it's a beautiful moment. Finally we want to live. For a long time we were hoping to sleep without a drone, we were hoping to walk in the street peacefully, without bombing and destruction. So that affected us - really beautiful moment. Finally, I will feel happiness and I will walk in peace - like right now I am standing in the street and I don't feel afraid to walk here."

Despite the recent ceasefire, the announcement of which she described as a "beautiful moment," Shana's future remains uncertain as she aims to continue her studies even if university buildings and academic institutions in Gaza were completely destroyed during the war.

Shana expressed a longing for a normal life, akin to that of other young women globally, where she can complete her education without the looming threat of violence.

The aftermath of the conflict is visible in Khan Younis, with many Palestinians, residing in makeshift tents surrounded by rubble, grappling with basic necessities like water and food. Despite these adversities, Shana remains hopeful for a peaceful future where she can pursue her dreams without fear.