Israel Killed My Mother Twice: A PalCast Conversation with Ahmed Dremly

Gaza Photojournalist Shares Harrowing Account of Life Under Assault

A recent episode of “PalCast” featured Palestinian photojournalist Ahmed Dremly,detailing the harsh realities faced by civilians in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict.

Titled “Israel killed My Mother Twice,” the discussion offered a stark glimpse into the daily struggles and the weaponization of hunger within the besieged territory.

“Hunger Game” and Targeted Aid

Dremly described so-called humanitarian zones in Gaza becoming deadly traps. Israeli forces reportedly targeted civilians who were attempting to access essential food supplies.

He painted a grim picture of a “hunger game” were starvation itself is used as a tool.

Personal Tragedy Amidst Devastation

The journalist recounted the profound personal loss of his mother, who battled cancer. Her health deteriorated significantly due to the lack of adequate nutrition in gaza.

Although she was eventually evacuated to Egypt for treatment, she passed away shortly after. dremly expressed his heartbreak, stating he never got to see her during her final days, feeling “Israel killed her twice”-once through deprivation and again by separating him from his mother.

Cultural Erasure and Media Accountability

The conversation also touched upon the destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage, citing the bombing of El Baga Café as an example. Dremly highlighted what he perceives as a failure of international media to accurately report on the situation.

He urged a deeper understanding of the conflict’s origins, pointing to the Nakba of 1948 as a crucial historical context.

Understanding the Gaza Crisis

Dremly’s testimony underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, characterized by widespread shortages of food, medicine, and basic necessities.

The targeting of civilians and infrastructure raises meaningful international concern regarding adherence to humanitarian law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “PalCast” podcast?

“PalCast” is a podcast featuring discussions, often with a focus on Palestinian perspectives and experiences.

Who is Ahmed Dremly?

Ahmed Dremly is a Palestinian photojournalist reporting from Gaza.

What does Dremly mean by “Israel killed my mother twice”?

He refers to his mother’s worsening health due to starvation in Gaza and her death in Egypt without him being able to be present.

What are your thoughts on Ahmed Dremly’s testimony? Share your views and this article with your network to raise awareness.

How does Ahmed dremly’s personal story challenge dominant narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The Weight of loss and Recurring Trauma in Gaza

Ahmed Dremly’s story, shared on the PalCast podcast, is a harrowing testament to the cyclical violence and devastating loss experienced by Palestinians in Gaza. His narrative, centered around the repeated loss of his mother due to Israeli military actions, highlights the profound psychological and emotional toll of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. this isn’t simply a story of grief; it’s a reflection of a systemic pattern of trauma impacting generations. the recent escalation, as reported by sources like the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/thema/israel),while seemingly concluding after twelve days of intense exchange,leaves lasting scars and fuels continued anxieties,especially regarding the situation in Gaza.

The First loss: 2008-2009 Gaza War (Operation cast lead)

Dremly recounts the first time his mother was killed during Operation Cast Lead, the 2008-2009 Gaza War. this period saw widespread destruction and a significant loss of civilian life.

Context: The operation was launched in response to hamas rocket fire into Israel.

Dremly’s Experience: His mother was struck by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike while at home with her family. The immediate aftermath was chaos and grief, compounded by the difficulty of accessing medical care amidst the ongoing conflict.

Impact: This initial loss deeply impacted Dremly and his family, leaving them with lasting emotional wounds and a sense of vulnerability. The trauma of witnessing his mother’s death shaped his childhood and worldview.This event is a stark example of civilian casualties in armed conflict.

The Illusion of Safety and the Second Loss: Subsequent Conflicts

The years following 2009 brought a fragile peace, punctuated by recurring escalations of violence. Dremly describes the constant anxiety of living under the threat of renewed conflict, the feeling that safety was always temporary. This is a common experience for palestinians in Gaza, who live under a prolonged state of siege and intermittent warfare.

Recurring Trauma: The constant threat of violence creates a state of chronic stress and fear, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.

The Second Loss: In a subsequent conflict, Dremly’s mother was tragically killed again – this time, the circumstances were different, but the pain was equally devastating. Details surrounding this second incident are particularly poignant, illustrating the arbitrary nature of violence and the lack of accountability.

Psychological Impact: The repetition of this loss – losing his mother not once, but twice – is almost incomprehensible. It represents a unique and profound form of trauma, shattering any sense of closure or healing. This highlights the long-term psychological effects of war.

The Role of International Law and Accountability

Dremly’s story raises critical questions about international law and the accountability of all parties involved in the conflict.

Proportionality and Distinction: Principles of international humanitarian law require that military actions be proportionate and distinguish between military targets and civilians. The circumstances surrounding both of Dremly’s mother’s deaths raise concerns about whether these principles were upheld.

War Crimes Investigations: Calls for autonomous investigations into alleged war crimes committed by both sides of the conflict are frequent, but rarely result in meaningful accountability.

The International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories is ongoing, but faces significant political and legal challenges. The pursuit of justice for Palestinian victims remains a central demand.

The Importance of Storytelling and Amplifying Palestinian Voices

The PalCast conversation with Ahmed Dremly is a powerful example of the importance of storytelling in raising awareness about the human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Countering Narratives: Sharing personal stories like Dremly’s challenges dominant narratives and provides a more nuanced understanding of the conflict.

Humanizing the Conflict: By focusing on individual experiences, these stories humanize the conflict and remind us that behind the headlines are real people with lives, families, and dreams.

Solidarity and Advocacy: Amplifying Palestinian voices can foster solidarity and inspire advocacy for a just and lasting peace.Supporting platforms like palcast is crucial for ensuring these stories are heard. The current situation,as reported,necessitates continued attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Resources and Support for Palestinians

For those seeking to support Palestinians affected by the conflict, several organizations offer assistance:

UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees): Provides essential services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (https://www.unrwa.org/)

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP): Delivers healthcare and medical