The story of Radwan Abu Maamar is a painful reminder of the horrors endured by the people of Gaza. Radwan is the sole survivor of his family, whose lives were tragically taken in the war that ravaged Gaza. His testimony, shared with Witness Eye, offers a deeply personal and raw account of survival, loss, and the unshakable will to continue despite overwhelming grief. This is his story — one of profound suffering, unyielding strength, and an unwavering hope for justice. Gaza Stories – The Sole Survivor…
From Gaza to Loss: Radwan’s Story Begins
Radwan hails from Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, a place where his family lived through the daily struggles faced by many Gazans, including a lack of basic necessities like water and electricity. “We were like any other family in Gaza,” Radwan recalls, “struggling through the hardships of war, living day by day, never knowing what the next moment would bring.” It was in this environment that his family endured the brutalities of war, unaware of the devastating fate that awaited them.
In the early days of the war, Radwan and his family, like many others in Gaza, opened their home to displaced people. They hosted friends and relatives fleeing from the northern parts of Gaza, believing they were in a “safe” area, far from the bombing and devastation. However, safety was a fragile illusion. Despite assurances from authorities that their area was secure, the relentless bombardment soon reached Khan Younis, forcing them to flee once more.
The Bombing That Changed Everything
On December 20, 2023, Radwan’s life would be changed forever. After relocating to a house near the European Gaza Hospital, Radwan and his family once again believed they had found refuge. But that night, disaster struck. The house was bombed without warning, as Radwan and over 50 others huddled together, seeking shelter from the violence. “We didn’t hear anything,” Radwan shares, his voice trembling as he recalls the moment. “There was no sound of the missile, no warning, just rubble falling like an earthquake.”
Radwan was thrown into a room as the building collapsed around him, trapping him between two concrete ceilings. Miraculously, he survived, but the cost was devastating. “But no one answered. They were all gone.”
Gaza Stories – Trapped and Alone: Survival in the Rubble
In the chaos that followed the bombing, Radwan found himself trapped in the rubble, desperately trying to escape. “I wasn’t injured, thank God, but the scene was hell,” he says. “I managed to get out by pulling on a pipe, and with the help of a relative, I crawled out of the wreckage.” … “It was the hardest moment of my life,” he says. “Seeing my father, my brothers, and my sister, burned or mutilated beyond recognition. I couldn’t recognize my mother at first because her face was so badly damaged.”
The pain of these moments is something Radwan carries with him every day. Yet, despite the trauma, he found solace in his faith. “I turned to God, and I found peace in His words,” Radwan shares, citing a verse from the Quran that sustained him in his darkest moments: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”
The Struggle for Justice: Pursuing Accountability
In the aftermath of such profound loss, Radwan’s journey has been one of resilience and determination to seek justice. Despite the horrors he endured, Radwan refuses to remain silent. He has become an advocate for the victims of Gaza’s genocide, hoping that his testimony will serve as a catalyst for international accountability.
“Documentation is essential,” Radwan asserts. “We must expose the false Israeli narrative and share our true story. The international community must understand that we, the civilians of Gaza, are not enemies. We are not the aggressors. We are defending our land, our homes, and our families.”
Radwan’s testimony is part of a broader movement to document war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, which includes initiatives like the Gaza Tribunal, War Crimes Documentation, and the collection of Eyewitness Testimonies. These efforts are vital for ensuring that the suffering of Gaza’s civilians is not forgotten and that those responsible for the atrocities are held accountable.
A Legacy of Love: Remembering Those Lost
Amid the pain and suffering, Radwan holds on to the memories of his family. His connection to them remains alive in his heart, and his story continues to resonate with the world. “Every time I eat molokhia, I cry,” Radwan shares, referring to a poignant moment before the bombing when he bought the beloved dish for his family. “I brought it home for my mother, but she never got to cook it. Now, every time I eat it, I remember her. I remember them all.”
The loss of his family has left an indelible mark on Radwan, but he refuses to let their memory fade. “I am the only one left to carry their name,” he says, reflecting on the responsibility he now bears. “I will continue their legacy, for my father, for my brothers, for my sisterwill not let their deaths be in vain.”
The Future of Gaza: A Hope for Liberation
Radwan’s journey is far from over. “Palestine will be free,” he says with unwavering conviction. “We gather our wounds and continue because Palestine will be liberated one day, and we will be able to travel from Gaza to Acre, to Jerusalem, to Jaffa, God willing.” As he reflects on the future, Radwan draws strength from the resilience of his people. “We are a people with willpower,” he says. “We will overcome this pain. Our wounds will never heal, but we will continue because Gaza will one day be free.” Radwan’s testimony is a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the urgent need for international justice. It is a call for the world to listen, to bear witness, and to take action.
Gaza Stories – Conclusion
Radwan Abu Maamar’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. His journey from the rubble of Gaza to the struggle for justice is a powerful reminder of the importance of documenting and seeking accountability for war crimes. As the world watches, it is imperative that we stand with the survivors of Gaza and ensure that their voices are heard, their stories are told, and their pain is acknowledged.
Now, hear the testimony of Radwan Abu Maamar in his own words—sole survivor of his family, witness to unimaginable loss, carrying Gaza’s grief, memory, and unyielding call for justice into the record of history.
Published By Besa Witness Eye
Stay Connected with Witness Eye
Follow us on our official channels: