Four men in Gaza share how the ongoing conflict has fundamentally altered their lives, sense of identity, and ability to provide for their families.

The ongoing war in Gaza has profoundly impacted the lives and self-perception of men across the region. Individuals interviewed describe a shift from stable professional and personal lives to conditions of displacement, loss of property, and the struggle to provide basic necessities for their families. These accounts highlight the psychological toll of the conflict, including feelings of helplessness, the loss of privacy, and the disruption of traditional family roles.

Loss of Livelihood and Privacy

Ahmed, a 39-year-old PhD student and former professional, reports that the war destroyed his ability to work and maintain a private home life. Since being forced to evacuate in May 2024, he and his family have lived in tents, where the lack of privacy has hindered communication between couples and his ability to act as a source of reassurance for his children. Similarly, Nidal, 40, lost his small business and his home in Gaza City. Following the deaths of his sister-in-law and daughter, he describes feeling helpless and unable to provide for his remaining family members.

Adaptation and Changing Perspectives

Younger men, including 24-year-old Hussein and 22-year-old medical student Hamza, have also faced significant life changes. Hussein, whose home was bombed, has pivoted to mobile phone repair and technical support to survive, though he feels unable to pursue marriage until he can provide a private home. Hamza, who volunteered as an emergency doctor in northern Gaza, reports that the conflict has shifted his priorities, drawing him closer to his family and leading him to plan for marriage sooner than he had originally intended.