I recently came across the artwork “Ladies of Gaza” by the late Layan Shawabkeh while conducting some research. Although I had seen it before, viewing it now with a heightened awareness due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza struck me deeply. The imagery of women pleading for help, mothers holding the lifeless bodies of their martyred children, women starving to ensure their children have the little food available, and pregnant women giving birth under unmedicated and horrific conditions—all of this profoundly resonates. These scenes, captured by brave journalists on the ground who risk their lives to show us the stark reality, are a powerful reminder of the human suffering occurring before our eyes. Follow these reporters, share their stories, and continue to speak out. Though we may feel defeated, we will not be silenced. Our voices will persist, louder than ever.

Artwork: “Ladies of Gaza”, Layan Shawabkeh, 2008