Writing for survival: Gaza author dares to hope against the odds
France 24
by Leela JACINTOFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Safaa Al-Nabaheen, a 31-year-old Palestinian author from Gaza, is defying the odds to bring hope and creativity to children amidst the chaos of war. Despite living under Israeli occupation and enduring relentless violence, Nabaheen has established creative writing workshops for children and adolescents to help them navigate their traumatic reality through storytelling. Her initiative began in a small tent near her home in Al-Zawayda, Gaza, where she taught kids how to channel their fears and hopes into narratives. However, as the situation in Gaza deteriorates, Nabaheen finds herself confronting a growing sense of despair.
The political landscape remains grim. Following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire in October 2025, Gaza has seen some relief but little change in the daily struggles of its people. Food and water shortages persist, and Israeli airstrikes continue to claim lives. Over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with more than 1.9 million displaced. Nabaheen herself remains trapped by Gaza’s restrictive borders, unable to access Western opportunities despite her international recognitions.
Despite these challenges, Nabaheen persists in her mission to empower children through creativity. She believes storytelling is a lifeline for survival, allowing kids to express their inner worlds amidst destruction. Her workshops, though modest, have become a beacon of hope in a besieged enclave. Yet, as the war drags on, even this small act of resistance feels increasingly futile.
This story matters because it highlights the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Nabaheen’s determination to keep creating and teaching despite overwhelming odds speaks to the power of art as a tool for survival. Her experience underscores the ongoing human cost of the Gaza conflict and the urgent need for peace.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/14/2026