11-year-old Nefise Kevari, whose house was destroyed in Israeli army attacks, is fighting for her life in the cemetery she took shelter in in Khan Younis. The cemetery has become a shelter for the displaced and a playground for children.
Approximately 2 million people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip, which was targeted by Israel. Palestinians who left their homes are trying to hold on to life in cemeteries, deprived of water, food and basic living needs.
Testimonies of Nefise Kevari
Nefise Kevari, describing the difficulties they experienced, said, “Every day we hear the sounds of airplanes, the cries and screams of those who have lost their loved ones. We see the funerals and we experience great fear.” Kevari, who is afraid and anxious about playing among the graves, emphasized that she is “trying to live with this painful reality.”
Kevari’s older brother Ahmed Kevari said, “We are the dead who live and breathe in the cemeteries, next to the dead.” Kevari said that they struggle to survive in difficult conditions. Kevari explained that he had to live in a tent in the cemetery as a result of the Israeli army’s attack.
Cries of the Palestinians
Palestinian Rehab Kevari asked, “The Israeli army tells us to go to safe areas and then bombs the civilians there. So where are the safe areas and security that the Israeli army claims?” Kevari, who described the drama of those forced to live in the cemetery, expressed that they had difficulty finding a safe place.
Fethi Muharib also summarized the situation at the Abu Jazar Cemetery as follows: “Displaced Palestinians come to the cemeteries without shelter. We are all dead here, there is no difference between us and the dead.” Muharib stated that the displaced received assistance with burial procedures and that they were trying to support people.
