In a crowded shelter in Gaza City, Amani Ashour, 38, holds her youngest child close, her eyes reflecting both sorrow and unyielding strength. Her story is one of immense loss and resilience, emblematic of the struggles faced by countless women in Gaza.  

Amani’s life was upended by Israel’s brutal war, which began on October 7, 2023. Her husband, Khaled, was killed on January 25, 2024, while trying to secure food for their starving family. Just months later, her eldest son, Jamal, 22, was also killed while attempting to provide for the family and help others in need.  

“I lost my husband and my son,” Amani told *Filastin* newspaper, her voice steady despite the pain. “They were everything to us.”  

Despite her heartbreak, Amani finds strength in her remaining children: Samira, 20, Sundus, 18, Saja, 15, and Mohammed, 12. “I no longer have time to cry,” she says. “I must be strong for my daughters.”  

Amani clings to hope, sharing stories of happier times to keep her husband and son’s memories alive. She dreams of a future where her daughters can live without fear, receive an education, and thrive in a just world.  

“The loss of my husband and son is not the end,” Amani declares. “I want my daughters to grow up in a world where they can fulfill their potential and live freely.”  

Her resilience shines amidst Gaza’s devastation, a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. Amani’s story is a call for justice, accountability, and lasting peace—a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, hope endures.