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Plestia Alaqad’s story begins long before she became known as the “Eyes of Gaza.” She grew up in the bustling streets of Gaza, surrounded by the ordinary joys and challenges of childhood. She fondly recalls days spent with family, the laughter of friends, and the simple pleasures of growing up in a city rich with culture, despite the shadows of recurring conflict. Her early years shaped not only her resilience but also her deep love for her homeland—a love that would later guide her through unimaginable hardship.

After finishing high school, Plestia pursued her higher education in Cyprus, studying journalism and exploring the wider world beyond Gaza. These years were filled with new experiences, friendships, and dreams of building a meaningful career in media. Upon graduation, she returned to Gaza, eager to start her professional journey. Little did she know that her ambitions would quickly intersect with one of the most violent chapters in her city’s history.

On 7 October 2023, everything changed. The Israel bombardment began, marking the start of a deadly invasion. Plestia, then a 21-year-old graduate, found herself in the epicenter of a devastating conflict. Homes were reduced to rubble, streets became perilous, and families were forced to evacuate at a moment’s notice—never knowing if they would return. Amid this chaos, Plestia began documenting the reality around her, capturing the destruction and the human stories that mainstream headlines often overlook.

Her early social media posts quickly resonated with a global audience. She became known as the “Eyes of Gaza,” giving the world an intimate view of life amid the bombing. Through her diary entries, she described families moving from one shelter to another, carrying whatever belongings they could save, never certain if the next moment would be their last in their own home. She chronicled the fear, exhaustion, and grief, but also the courage and quiet heroism of people determined to survive.

A Diary of Life Amid Conflict

The Eyes of Gaza, published by Pan Macmillan, is a collection of Plestia’s diary entries from the first 45 days following the outbreak of war. Written with the honesty of a young woman navigating unimaginable circumstances, the diary captures not only the horror but also the humanity of Gaza.

Plestia details the small yet profound acts of resilience that defined daily life: a boy digging through debris to salvage a small plant he had nurtured, families improvising birthday celebrations with scarce resources, and women caring for animals even while living in temporary shelters. These moments, juxtaposed with the backdrop of destruction, demonstrate a community’s determination to preserve life and dignity amid catastrophe.

Through her vivid storytelling, Plestia challenges common narratives that reduce Palestinians to statistics or portray them solely as victims. She shows that even in the midst of violence and displacement, people continue to love, nurture, and create beauty—proof that the human spirit cannot be entirely broken.

Witnessing Reality, One Diary Entry at a Time

Plestia’s diary provides an unfiltered lens into the emotional and psychological toll of war. She recounts the constant fear of losing loved ones, the trauma of seeing homes destroyed, and the burden of survival guilt—feelings experienced after she evacuated to Australia for safety. Her words convey a profound longing to return to a city forever altered, a homeland where memories of family, friends, and familiar streets are tinged with loss.

Yet her writing is not only a record of suffering. It is a testament to hope, courage, and humanity. Plestia observes moments of tenderness amid the chaos: strangers sharing what little they have, children finding joy despite scarcity, and communities supporting one another in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through these observations, readers see the resilience and beauty that persist even in a war-torn city.

A Story of Resilience and Witnessing

The Eyes of Gaza is more than a war diary; it is a chronicle of survival, compassion, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Plestia Alaqad risked her life to ensure that the world could witness the realities on the ground in Gaza—beyond headlines, beyond numbers, beyond the narratives that often dehumanize those affected by conflict. Her courage has given voice to those who might otherwise remain unseen.

By sharing her diary entries, Plestia invites readers to experience life through her eyes: the fear, the grief, the fleeting moments of joy, and the enduring hope. The book is a vivid reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity persists, and stories of courage and compassion deserve to be told.

About the Author

Plestia Alaqad wrote The Eyes of Gaza from her personal experiences during the first 45 days of the 2023 Gaza conflict. As a young journalist, she documented the devastation of her homeland, the loss of life, and the resilience of her people. Her diary entries offer an intimate view of life during war, highlighting both the tragedy and the enduring human spirit. Through her words, Plestia hopes to provide readers with a deeper understanding of Gaza, its people, and the courage it takes to live—and bear witness—amid destruction.