US voters prepare to choose between ‘lesser of 2 evils’ as young Gazans hope for change

GAZA CITY, Palestine 

As the US presidential election approaches, young Gazans, like a drowning person clutching at straws, desperately yearn for a change in US administration, hoping it could alleviate their suffering and end what they describe as an Israeli genocide now in its second year.

This hope endures despite both major US candidates showing firm support for Israel, forcing voters who support Palestinians’ rights to choose between the “lesser of two evils.”

Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump offers a more hardline approach, advocating for unconditional American support for Israel, allowing it to take actions it deems necessary under what he describes as its “right to self-defence,” without any focus on the humanitarian aspect.

Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris also supports what she considers Israel’s right to defend itself against the Palestinian group Hamas, which she claims is a “terrorist organization that must be eradicated.” At the same time, she emphasizes the “need to protect civilians in Gaza.”

Harris has also expressed her support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, claiming she is working with the current administration to ensure stability in Gaza after the war, including reconstruction efforts and restoring the Palestinian Authority’s governance.

While her position appears more balanced than Trump’s, the Biden administration’s stance on Gaza is at odds with her promises.

The administration provides full military, intelligence and political support to Israel in Gaza, with Palestinians accusing it of being a key partner in the Israeli genocide since Oct. 7 last year.

But with no other option at hand, young people in Gaza hope the US election on Nov. 5 will lead to measures that will help alleviate their suffering, according to statements by some of them to Anadolu.

Proactive role

Fifteen-year-old Ru’a Abu Amra hopes for a proactive role from the next US president in stopping the genocide in Gaza, especially since Washington is one of the primary supporters of the Israeli occupation in the destructive war.

Ru’a, who lost her family home in eastern Deir al-Balah, says Americans played a significant role in prolonging the genocide against them, and she believes it is the new president’s duty to strive for peace.

“I have the right to learn and achieve my dreams; everything has come to a halt for me because of the genocide in Gaza,” she said.

“This year, I was supposed to choose my educational path in high school, but the war disrupts everything, even our dreams and ambitions.”

She pointed to the impact of the current circumstances on her daily life and the suspension of education since the war began.

“I need an education to achieve my ambitions, but all we want is to stop the fighting and return to a normal life,” she said.

According to figures published by the Government Media Office in Gaza on Oct. 15, the Israeli genocide has deprived around 785,000 students of an education.

Israeli forces have destroyed 125 schools and universities and partially damaged 337.

Seven-year-old Ali Al Deeb, who expressed his support for Harris, said: “I want the new American president to stop the war so I can return to my home in Gaza City.”

Ali lives with his family under dire conditions due to their displacement.

“We are living in tents and want to go back to our homes. The situation here is very difficult. We need food, warmth and safety,” he said.

He emphasized the necessity of opening crossings to allow essential goods to enter and hopes life can return to normal so he can play again and return to school like other children.

‘Tent life has worn us down’

Thirteen-year-old Issa Al Dabbeh, who was forcibly displaced from the Shejaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, hopes for a new American president who understands the suffering of Palestinians.

“We are tired of life in tents. I want to return to Gaza City and my school. The crossings must open to allow essential goods and supplies,” he said.

He expressed his feelings of fear and insecurity, reminiscing about how life was better before the war and displacement.

He dreams of returning to a normal life where he can play with his friends and attend school.

Thirteen-year-old Rimas Al Haddad, who was displaced from the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza City, passionately spoke about her hope to return to her home.

“We want the new American president to stop the Israeli war. Life in tents and repeated displacements have worn us down,” she said.

“We face health and environmental crises, suffering from the spread of insects and rodents, with hot summers and cold winters.”

She emphasized her right as a child to live normally and hopes to return to school, feeling that education is the key to her future.

“I have the right to learn and live independently, safely. We want the new president to support this and work toward the return of displaced people to their homes in Gaza City and the north,” she added.

The Israeli army has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas last October, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 43,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 101,100 injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

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