For six years, BBC’s Paul Adams has maintained contact with Asmaa Tayeh, a 28-year-old graduate living in Gaza. Her texts offer a rare and poignant glimpse into the ongoing horrors and small moments of hope amidst Gaza’s devastating conflict.

Asmaa’s journey from hopeful entrepreneur to war survivor began with optimism. In September 2022, she launched Star Café, an online coffee delivery service, marking a personal milestone.

Her social media posts brimmed with hope, celebrating her self-employment and planning for the future. However, the war that erupted on 7 October 2023 changed everything, The BBC reported.

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“Hey Paul. It’s nice to hear from you. We are unharmed,” she texted on 10 October. “But to be honest, I don’t feel safe at all. We could be bombed at any minute.”

The Israeli attacks were unprecedented. Within days, they dropped tons of bombs, forcing nearly one million people in northern Gaza, including Jabalia, to flee south.

Asmaa’s family, consisting of 13 members spanning three generations, chose to stay put, fearing that fleeing south might mean never returning.

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Despair

Asmaa shared her growing despair as conditions deteriorated. “It’s dangerous all over the Gaza Strip,” she texted on 15 October.

The air strikes intensified, and by the end of October, Jabalia faced its worst bombardment yet.

Communication became increasingly difficult with power outages and sporadic internet access. Asmaa’s messages dwindled, and for weeks, there was silence. Adams feared the worst. But on 12 December, Asmaa’s message reappeared, saying, “I’m still alive, by God’s miracles.”

Her texts not only reflect her personal struggle but also symbolize the broader tragedy facing Gaza’s residents.

Asmaa’s resilience and the daily horrors she endures offer a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of those caught in its wake.