Watch We Love Gaza

We Love Gaza is a 2016 documentary film directed by Italian filmmaker Antonio Giacchetti. The film follows the lives of four young Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip and their struggles in the midst of the ongoing conflict with Israel. The documentary starts by introducing the viewers to the daily life in Gaza, showing the overcrowded streets and dilapidated housing conditions. The first character we meet is Ahmed, a young man who lost his leg in an Israeli military raid. Despite his disability, Ahmed focuses his energies on coaching a football team for disabled children. The team regularly competes with other teams in the region, and in one of the matches, Ahmed's team achieves a stunning victory over a team from Israel.

Next, we meet Majed, a 13-year-old boy who dreams of becoming a professional football player. Majed spends most of his time playing on the beaches of Gaza with his friends, honing his football skills. But the dream of becoming a professional player seems out of reach for Majed, especially because of the Israeli blockade that restricts movement in and out of Gaza.

The third character we meet is Mahmoud, a 42-year-old father of six who lost his left hand in another Israeli military raid. Despite his disability, Mahmoud works as a tailor, sewing clothes for his clients. He talks about how he struggles to provide for his large family under the challenging economic conditions prevalent in Gaza. Mahmoud's story is particularly poignant, highlighting the impact of the conflict on ordinary people's livelihoods.

The final character we meet is Ahmed, a 30-year-old father of three who works as a fisherman. Ahmed talks about how he and other fishermen face constant threats from the Israeli navy, who often fire warning shots or confiscate their boats, making it difficult for them to earn a living. Ahmed and his father go out to sea, and we see how they struggle to catch enough fish to feed their families.

Throughout the film, we hear from each character about their experiences living in Gaza, and how the ongoing conflict has impacted their lives. We also see how they find hope and resilience in their everyday struggles. Interspersed with the characters' stories are scenes of everyday life in Gaza, from street markets to weddings and other celebrations.

One of the most striking aspects of We Love Gaza is the way it humanizes the people of Gaza, who are often depicted in media narratives as either victims or terrorists. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, the film shows that there is much more to Gaza than the conflict alone.

Overall, We Love Gaza is a powerful documentary that provides a rare glimpse into life in Gaza. Through the stories of its four main characters, the film offers a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the challenges facing the people of Gaza, and the resilience and humanity that allows them to persevere.