A Reporter's Lament: Unraveling Gaza's Chaos
Book 'Histories of Gaza' by Journalist Mikel Ayestaran serves as a powerful testament
Transitioning to a more conversational tone, let's dive into Mikel Ayestaran's account of life in war-torn Gaza, captured in his latest book, Stories from Gaza.
Mikel, a freelance Middle East correspondent for outlets like El Correo, ABC, and ETB, found himself on a hastily booked flight to Tel Aviv the morning of October 7, 2023. What he witnessed was nothing short of apocalyptic - the devastating Hamas attack that left over a thousand souls lifeless and 251 others kidnapped.
With Istanbul as his new home since 2022 and seven years spent in Jerusalem before that, Mikel had a unique vantage point into the region's volatile conflicts. The events of October 7, 2023, would forever change the Middle East's landscape, marking the beginning of the end for Hezbollah in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and Iran's daring attack on Israel with more than 300 drones and missiles.
Life after the War
Fast-forward 20 months, and Gaza is left reeling from a brutal war with over 54,000 Palestinian casualties. Mikel ponders the uncertain future of the small 45-square-kilometer strip but is certain that it will bear little resemblance to its former self.
A chilling possibility emerges - the prospect of a Riviera in Gaza, a luxury resort for the rich at the cost of expelling millions from their land. Ayestaran remarks that this idea, though outrageous, is now a plausible scenario given the brutal reality of the region post-October 7.
"Journalists have run out of words to describe what's happening," Ayestaran states, expressing shock at the impunity afforded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces arrest warrants for war crimes from the International Criminal Court and a genocide case in the International Court of Justice.
Beyond the Horror
Amidst the chaos and destruction, Mikel chooses to document the stories beyond the war's brutality. He's compiled tales he's gathered over two decades of journalism, presenting them against the backdrop of centuries of history, from Pharaoh Tutmosis III to Netanyahu.
"When Gaza roars, everything else falls silent," says Ayestaran, explaining the intense media focus on the enclave during times of conflict. However, he argues that it's crucial to delve deeper and shed light on Gaza's day-to-day resilience against numerous occupying forces.
In compiling his book, Mikel initially aimed to avoid focusing solely on the October 7 events, instead choosing to provide a broader picture of Gaza and its people. Regrettably, the book ends with the ceasefire that came into effect on January 19, 2024, as Netanyahu resumed the war with renewed vigor in March and intensified the use of hunger as a weapon of war.
The Gaza Menu: A Viral Project
Parallel to his book project, Mikel spearheaded "The Gaza Menu," offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Gazan families and their struggle to obtain food amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis. He enlisted the help of journalist Kayed, who serves as his fixer and guide in Gaza, to send photos daily of what Kayed's wife, Amal, prepares for the family. The accompanying texts detail their daily struggles and the context in which they eat. Mikel notes that the texts have taken on a darker tone as their situation worsens.
The "Gaza Menu" project has gained significant attention, particularly among younger audiences who are less likely to engage with traditional news outlets. As a result, Mikel has gained many new followers and even won the Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award for the best multimedia project.
Kayed, the Heart of Gaza
Mikel's book features Kayed and his family prominently, with Kayed serving as a constant presence throughout the narrative. From a Palestinian refugee to a college student in Malaga, Kayed's story exemplifies the life of exile and displacement shared by many Palestinians.
Mikel's connection to Kayed transcends professional boundaries, as they've become friends over the years. He notes that writing about Kayed was the most challenging part of the book-a labor of love that required countless interviews.
"Gaza is the undisputed protagonist of my latest book," Mikel explains, "but Kayed, Amal, and their entire family are recurring characters in many chapters, from the past and present."
In Kayed's painful journey, Mikel finds a fitting metaphor for the resilience and perseverance of the people of Gaza. Despite their setbacks and losses, they are still fighting, even as they struggle to understand why. As Mikel says, "They keep going, though they often feel like they're fighting for nothing."
Kayed's messages, though heavy with sorrow, always close on a note of hope: "But at least we're still alive."
References:1. Gaza's educational buildings were hit in the Israeli attacks, Al Jazeera English (October 10, 2023)2. Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Gaza, DW (October 10, 2023)3. Hamas and Israel agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, Associated Press (January 19, 2024)4. Israel resumes bombing Gaza after ceasefire talk stalls, Al Jazeera English (March 2025)5. Hold Israel accountable for war crimes in Gaza, Action Against Hunger (March 2025)
In the post-war landscape of Gaza, Mikel Ayestaran reflects on the region's new reality, where the prospects of a luxury resort for the wealthy may end up displacing thousands, showcasing the alarming average shift in demographics and resources. Amidst the general news of war-and-conflicts and political turmoil, Ayestaran continues to bring light to the resilience and heartbreak of everyday Gazans, beyond the brutality of war.
