Pars Today – For Fida, the most painful part of this crisis is its impact on her children. She says, “The biggest challenge is keeping them healthy. The cold and humidity make them more susceptible to illness, and access to proper medical care is extremely limited.”
As the harsh winter months set in in Gaza, countless families are engaged in a desperate struggle for survival. According to Pars Today, citing Middle East Monitor, one such family is that of Fida Soboh, a 39-year-old mother of seven, who, after being displaced by war, now lives in a fragile tent. Originally from the city of Al-Zahra, Fida represents the unimaginable challenges faced by Gaza’s displaced, where flimsy shelters offer no protection against heavy rains and freezing temperatures.
Fida says, “Our tent is constantly problematic because of its thin fabric. No matter how much clothing we wear or how many blankets we have, we cannot escape the rain that seeps inside, soaking our beds and clothes. Cooking is difficult, and meals are often cold. The children try to study, but the lack of light and heat makes it nearly impossible. The cold and humidity are affecting their health, and every day we have to struggle to keep them warm, dry, and safe.”
Despite these hardships, Fida is not solely focused on her family’s survival. She also works tirelessly as a relief worker, providing aid and comfort to others in her community who face similar struggles. This combination of personal experience and a commitment to helping others has made Fida a symbol of resilience and determination, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Fida is one of 1.6 million Palestinians – out of a total of 1.9 million displaced – living in tents and temporary shelters, often made of nothing more than plastic. These shelters offer minimal protection against the cold and rain, which have already caused widespread flooding. In recent days, hundreds of temporary shelters have been submerged, leaving families in even more desperate conditions.
For Fida, the most painful part of this crisis is its impact on her children. She says, “The biggest challenge is keeping them healthy. The cold and humidity make them more susceptible to illness, and access to proper medical care is extremely limited.
Fida Soboh: Recognize our humanity.
The floods are a huge problem; they destroy what little we have and create an unsafe and unsanitary environment. The emotional toll of seeing my children suffer and being unable to provide better conditions is the hardest part. I even worry whether we will survive the next storm.”
Fida’s struggle after losing her husband
Last year, Fida faced the loss of her husband, who was martyred by Israeli aggressors. She says, “Losing my husband left a huge emotional and practical void. He was the pillar of our lives, providing stability and support. Without him, I’ve had to take on the role of both parents, which is incredibly difficult. Financially, his absence has made things even harder, especially now that resources are more limited than ever.”
Fida, however, emphasizes, “My feelings are a mix of resilience and hope that our suffering will end and that one day we can build a life of dignity and peace.”
This winter has already claimed the lives of around 10 infants who froze to death, and more deaths are predicted if urgent aid does not arrive. Warnings have also been issued that if restrictions on aid delivery are not lifted, more children will die from the cold.
Fida’s urgent message to the world
She says, “I want people to understand that we Palestinians are not just numbers. We are real people with dreams, families, and hopes for the future. The cold, floods, and displacement are not temporary problems; they are ongoing issues that strip away our dignity and security. We want the world to see us, recognize our humanity, and help us rebuild our lives.”
MG/ME
