In early October 2023,Palestinian Plestia Alaqad was a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a successful journalist. By the end of Novembershe would be internationally known as the ‘Eyes of Gaza’. Millions of people would be profoundly moved by her social media posts depicting daily life in Gaza amid Israel’s deadly invasion and bombardment. Written as a series of diary extractsThe Eyes of Gaza shares the horrors of her experiences while showcasing the indomitable spirit of the menwomen and children that share Plestia’s communities. From the epicentre of turmoilwhile bombs rained around her and devastation gripped her peopleshe witnessed their emotionstheir gentle acts of quietnecessary heroismand the moments of unexpected tenderness and vulnerability amid the chaos. Through the raw honesty and vulnerability of a normal 22-year-old woman trying to make her way through a human tragedyThe Eyes of Gaza is a powerful call for peace. It recounts a harrowing experiencebut it is not a heart-breaking lamentation. Ratherit is a manifesto for hopeadvocating for a better future for Gazathe Middle Eastand our divided world.