Gaza, a narrow strip of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bears the scars of unrelenting challenges.

With a coastline stretching 41 kilometers, the sea is a lifeline for many residents. However, life along the coast is fraught with struggles as families and individuals contend with severe restrictions, military violence, and the ongoing blockade.

Despite the risks posed by Israeli naval vessels that target Palestinian fishermen, the people of Gaza continue to rely on the sea for survival. These fishermen venture out at dawn, knowing that their lives are at stake.

The memory of relatives and friends lost to attacks at sea is vivid. The sea is not just a resource; it is a battleground where civilians endure shootings, harassment, and the destruction of their livelihoods. Yet, they persist, fishing under these perilous conditions to provide for their families in a region where food is scarce.

The blockade has not only limited access to the sea but also paralyzed Gaza’s agriculture. Farmers who once worked fertile lands now face devastation. Fields have been destroyed, irrigation systems damaged, and many families displaced.

For some, rebuilding their agricultural land is a form of resilience. They plant vegetables and nurture trees, finding solace and hope in reconnecting with the land. Even small victories, like growing okra or eggplants on a cleared plot of rubble, uplift their spirits and renew their determination to survive.

Approximately 85% of Gaza's population has been displaced, with many depending on emergency food assistance. These food supplies are severely limited, leaving families to survive on one meal a day—or less.

Despite this, residents strive to reclaim their ability to produce food for themselves and their community. They turn to makeshift gardens and greenhouses, growing basic crops like peppers, pumpkins, and beans, even in tiny spaces.

The challenges are compounded by the ongoing violence. Farmers and civilians face direct attacks from Israeli forces while trying to cultivate their land.

These acts of aggression disrupt daily life, targeting those who are merely striving to provide for their families. Gaza’s residents know their efforts are not a threat to anyone, yet they find themselves under constant assault.

In the face of adversity, the people of Gaza remain resilient. They understand the importance of growing their own food and rebuilding their shattered lands.

These efforts, while modest, represent a refusal to surrender to despair. By planting seeds in the soil of Gaza, they plant hope for a better future—a future where the right to live with dignity is restored.