The Latest Breaking News from Manara

Gaza diary part 45: ‘I can’t believe I am in a car – I ask the driver what he uses for fuel’

As he has to rehome their pregnant cat, Ziad, a 35-year-old Palestinian, thinks of all the other painful ‘decisions’ he has had to make, and a night-time trip to the toilet reveals an unpleasant surprise

The Guardian - UK · Feb 7, 2024

Gaza diary part 44: ‘The angel of death is roaming the skies, nonstop’

As the weather gets colder, Ziad, a 35-year-old Palestinian, struggles to sleep, yet others he meets sleep 60 to a room or lack even a mattress. Meanwhile, the cat is about to give birth

The Guardian - UK · Feb 5, 2024

Gaza diary part 42: ‘In hard times, being kind is one of the most difficult things to do’

After 10 days without contact because of communication issues inside Gaza, Ziad, a 35-year-old Palestinian, recounts drawing flowers with a child and describes how people rallied round to help a displaced family

The Guardian - UK · Jan 23, 2024

Gaza diary part 15: ‘I am completely numb. I don’t have the energy to be hopeful’

Ziad, a 35-year-old Palestinian, recounts another day in Gaza: a new month – but what will it bring? And will the real challenge come when the situation ends?

The Guardian - UK · Nov 3, 2023

Gaza diary part 13: ‘Just like a candle, I am fading. My body is losing strength’

Ziad, a 35-year-old Palestinian, recounts another day in Gaza; jubilation that the connection is back, a bittersweet encounter with a friend, and daily pain and exhaustion

The Guardian - UK · Oct 30, 2023

Gaza diary part 12: ‘We don’t have access to the internet … We are blindfolded’

Ziad, a 35-year-old Palestinian, recounts another two days in Gaza, trying to find treatment for a sick cat, passing the time playing cards, and realising to his horror that communications to the outside world have been cut off

The Guardian - UK · Oct 29, 2023