Abdul Rahman Mahna wanders through the streets of Deir al-Balah, desperately searching for a place to charge his mobile phone in order to light his overcrowded tent. With winter’s lack of sunlight and the ongoing war, life in Gaza has become an endless struggle for basic survival. Power outages are crippling daily life, making it impossible to charge phones, access the internet, or pump water, intensifying the already dire situation.

Since the start of the genocidal war on October 7, 2023, Israel has cut off all electricity to the Gaza Strip, blocking fuel from entering the only power station in the region. This decision has left the population in total darkness, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Many residents have tried to adapt by relying on solar power, though the systems are expensive, and the lack of sunlight in winter months makes it increasingly difficult to function.

The power outage is just one element of Israel’s ongoing genocide, which includes bombing, blockading, and starving the population. This combined assault has created what UN experts have called the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II, as the population is pushed to the brink of collapse.

For students like Maysaa Al-Diraoui, the consequences are particularly severe. Struggling to meet university deadlines, Maysaa finds herself unable to complete assignments due to her phone’s low battery and poor internet connection. With no consistent access to electricity, many students like her are finding remote learning unfeasible. The winter months, with their lack of sunlight, only worsen the situation, preventing Maysaa from continuing her education on time.

Mohammed Al-Bayram, who runs a small project to charge phones and batteries in Khan Yunis, relies on the sun to power his energy panels. His efforts support not only his own children but also those of his brother, who was killed in the early days of the war. As soon as the sun rises, Al-Bayram begins charging devices and even offers a washing machine for the community. His small business is a lifeline in a city where basic services are almost nonexistent.

Students across Gaza, especially those living in tents, have protested the Ministry of Education’s decision to conduct remote lessons, as the lack of electricity and internet access makes it nearly impossible to participate. High school student Mai Abu Mu'aliq shares her frustration, explaining that the absence of sunlight halts her ability to study and attend lessons. She calls on the international community to intervene, condemning the ongoing injustice and the systematic killings endured by Gaza’s residents for over 14 months.