The Grief of Gaza: Daily Martyr Burials Amidst War
In the heart of Khan Yunis, Tafesh Abu Hatab, known as "The Undertaker," has been enduring the harrowing task of preparing graves for martyrs in a Turkish cemetery. Each day, he digs approximately 35 graves, a grim reflection of the ongoing violence in Gaza. With over 6,000 graves now filled since the beginning of the current Israeli war, Abu Hatab describes this period as the most challenging of his 19-year career. The pain is palpable as he recounts the heartbreaking stories of families torn apart, with many of the deceased being women, children, and even infants.
Abu Hatab’s profession has become increasingly difficult due to rising costs associated with digging graves. Before the war, the price for preparing a grave was around 280 shekels; now it has surged to between 450 and 500 shekels, driven by the blockade and destruction of local industries. He resorts to using rubble from bombed buildings, which ironically costs more than new stones. “At these prices, I can buy a cement ship in Egypt,” he laments, highlighting the absurdity of the situation where even the cost of death has skyrocketed.
The Harrowing Impact of War on Gaza's Cemeteries
The war has not only increased the number of martyrs but also led to a significant rise in natural deaths, exacerbating an already dire situation. Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director General of the Government Information Office, reports that natural deaths have surged to six and a half times their pre-war levels, largely due to the collapse of the health system and rampant disease spread. The devastation extends to cemeteries, with reports of 60 being targeted and over 1,500 graves excavated, leaving families with no choice but to resort to mass burials or even burying their loved ones in makeshift graves in streets and schoolyards.
The dire need for burial space is compounded by the fact that Gaza, home to approximately 2.2 million people, faces a severe crisis in providing adequate cemetery land. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs indicates that the annual depletion of grave space is alarming, with the war only worsening the situation. As the conflict rages on, the reality of life in Gaza continues to be overshadowed by an overwhelming loss of life, leaving families and communities grappling with grief and despair.
- Abu Hatab's story is not just one of loss but also of resilience. He and his son, Tariq, have witnessed unimaginable tragedies, including the Mawasi Massacre, where civilians were killed indiscriminately. Tariq recalls the day when he had to bury body parts of a child, a haunting reminder of the war's brutality. The cemetery, once a place of peace, now serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and the toll it takes on human life. The situation in Gaza is dire, with humanitarian organizations struggling to provide support amidst the chaos. With the health system on the brink of collapse, many families are left to fend for themselves, often unable to afford proper burials. The community is rallying together, with municipalities and charities stepping in to help cover costs for those who cannot afford to bury their loved ones. As the conflict continues, the stories of those like Abu Hatab serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, highlighting the urgent need for peace and support for the people of Gaza.
