Location: Gaza, Palestine a week after the ceasefire Photograph: Duha Hasan

Haneen Abo Grara, Gaza

Haneen Abo Grara is an Illuminated Cities 2025 Poetry of the Camps-Gaza fellow.

In her words, “I am Haneen Abo Grara, a Palestinian student of English Literature and Education, as well as a writer and poet.

My passion lies in literature, education, and creative expression. Despite the hardships of life in Gaza, I hold on to my dreams and faith, believing that we like everyone else in the world deserve peace, knowledge, and the chance to live fully. Through my poetry and writing, I strive to inspire hope, reflect resilience, and remind others that even in the darkest times, courage and love can keep us alive.”

Poems