As Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza intensify, many Palestinians are using social media to post what they fear may be their last words. The ongoing bombing has left hundreds dead and caused widespread destruction, with many expressing hopelessness and fear that they may not survive the latest wave of attacks. In just 24 hours, at least 112 Palestinians were killed, marking the deadliest day since Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18.
Social Media Becomes a Lifeline Amid Bombings
Since Israel began its latest offensive on Gaza in October 2023, Palestinians have turned to social media as a way to stay connected, share their daily realities, and document the war. With traditional media outlets and platforms often accused of censorship, residents have taken it upon themselves to make their voices heard.
In recent days, a surge in farewell posts and final prayers has flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Many fear the strikes are growing more deadly, and their chances of survival are fading.
“We Won’t Make It This Time”
One video by Nour, a Gaza resident, shows a nearby building exploding as sobs echo in the background. Her caption reads: “It seems we won’t survive this time…”
Journalist Abdallah Alattar, reporting from Rafah in southern Gaza, echoed that sentiment in a widely shared post Friday morning: “It seems that we won’t make it this time.”
Abubaker Amed, a football journalist in Deir al-Balah, shared: “The people of Gaza know the world has let them down and thus feel their killing is a matter of time.”
Hunger, Destruction, and a Plea to the World
In addition to the bombings, Palestinians are also suffering from extreme shortages of food and basic supplies. Israel’s ongoing blockade has made access to clean water, fuel, and food nearly impossible.
“Bombs above, hunger below—Gaza is suffering. How much longer can we endure this?” one user posted. “The world must act NOW!”
These posts often serve as desperate calls to global leaders and the public to take action, or at the very least, not to look away.
U.S. Arms Deals Draw Criticism
Israel continues to receive strong support and military funding from allies, especially the United States. In March, the Trump administration approved a nearly $3 billion arms deal with Israel, bypassing the usual congressional review process.
Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders led a failed effort last week to block $8.8 billion in offensive weapons sales. Only 15 senators supported the motion, including Tim Kaine and Elizabeth Warren.
For many Palestinians, the continued arms support from the West feels like an endorsement of the violence they are enduring.
Farewell Messages and Final Words
With every passing day, more Gazans post what may be their last goodbyes. On Thursday, writer and pharmacist Omar Hamad posted on X:
“At first, I was eager, sharing everything my hands could write. But I do not know what you need to see or read to finally rise… not for our sake, but for your conscience.”
He later added: “I have never felt death drawing this close to me throughout the entire genocide as I do these days.”
Medical doctor Hamza Alsharif, who works at both the European and Al-Aqsa hospitals, described the horrors he witnessed: “Bombings are intensifying across all areas of the Strip. Blood is everywhere.”
Pinned to his profile since March 18 is a haunting message:
“If I die, I am not a number. I am a planet in itself… Don’t forget me in your prayers and keep talking about me.”
Journalists Among the Victims
The conflict has also claimed the lives of journalists. Last month, an Israeli missile killed 23-year-old Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat in Beit Lahiya. Hours earlier, Mohammad Mansour of Palestine Today was also killed along with his wife and son.
Before his death, Hossam wrote a message to be posted in case he was killed. It read:
“If you’re reading this, it means I have been killed – most likely targeted – by the Israeli occupation forces.”
His self-eulogy echoes that of Palestinian poet and academic Refaat Alareer, killed in December. Alareer’s poem “If I Must Die” has become a symbol of Gaza’s enduring spirit.
A Region in Crisis
As airstrikes continue and hope fades, Palestinians remain defiant in their plea to the world. They are not only victims of bombs but also of silence.
