At just 23, Plestia Alaqad turned

her phone into one of the most vital lenses on the Gaza genocide, reaching tens of millions with raw, unflinching dispatches from inside the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Now the Palestinian journalist is taking her first shot in front of the camera

Forever longing for the Gaza I know. Forever missing my life there, my neighbors, my friends. Missing the warmth of walking through the streets and recognizing every face. Missing the comfort of going to the same salon, asking for the same lady every time.

Lebanon holds a special place in my

heart

When the same people who are doing the killing, are doing the reporting, this is when you know there is something wrong with our world.

It's been two years since I left Gaza, but Gaza has never left me. Even under occupation, it is the only place I have ever felt truly safe because no matter what, it is home.

Growing up, I loved being in front of the camera, standing in stadiums, and holding a mic. I was so fascinated by the idea of being on TV that I used to edit my own pictures to make it look like I was on screen or on a billboard.

We're not naive, we know the occupier's word means nothing. We've seen ceasefire agreements shatter before. But after two years of blood and rubble, can't we allow ourselves, just for a moment, to feel hope?

Forced to leave Gaza, singer Rahaf Shamaly continues to share her music while separated from her family, highlighting the pain of displacement and the power of art to endure

This is an appreciation post to Dr. Ghassan and everything he is doing. We need more people like him in the world

Refugees aren't born, they're created by wars, genocides, and those who allow them.

Where should the birds fly after the

last sky?

Darwish's poem lives rent free in my head..

Six-year-old Kenzy was gravely injured in Gaza last year and is now recovering abroad. Her story shows the resilience of children caught in conflict and the enduring bonds of family across borders.

I poured my heart and soul into The Eyes of Gaza, and seeing it reach people's hearts around the world means more than I can express

It's now a New York Times, National Indie, and Boston Globe Bestseller.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this book and helped share Gaza's truth with the world