Compassion in the Hearts of Gazans: A Message to Humanity Rubble, loss, and pain are the prevailing realities in the Gaza Strip

In the midst of Deir al-Balah, among piles of debris that have obscured the very features of the place, Hamad Ahmed Mansour stands, trying to preserve what remains of compassion in his life. While people struggle to survive on the bare minimum of food, Hamad has not abandoned a hobby he has cherished for years: caring for pets.

Today, this hobby has become a humanitarian message, practiced under near-impossible conditions.

Amid the hunger that devours Gaza’s residents, and after two years of war that destroyed all basic life necessities, Hamad continues to believe that these small creatures have rights upon him. His cats, which once easily found food before the war, have now become victims of deprivation, sharing with him the little scraps available, as if they are part of the family that must not be abandoned to its fate.

A Scene Reflecting Humanity

The image of Hamad feeding his cats is a touching scene that reflects both the tragedy and the humanity of the situation. While Gaza suffers from a complete paralysis of public services, with over 61 million tons of rubble filling its streets, this man remains a witness that goodness can persist even under the harshest conditions. His simple act becomes a form of resistance—resistance against internal collapse and despair.

The severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel have made daily life a battle in itself. Yet Hamad makes sure to dedicate part of his effort and his meager share to these cats, which rush around him seeking safety even before food. Even though people themselves are surviving on minimal means, the scene of a man sharing his meal with animals captures what makes humanity endure in the darkest moments: empathy.

While international organizations exchange accusations over the causes and delays of aid, the people of Gaza continue to seek ways to survive, each in their own way. Hamad, through his small act with enormous impact, remains a silent voice declaring that war may steal homes and suffocate cities, but it cannot take compassion from the hearts of those who possess it. In his simple act, it is clear that humanity still breathes, despite everything.