Gaza: Whispers of the Shattered Sky

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Size of Gaza Significance

If we try to grasp the knowledge about the size of Gaza, let us look at a few examples to understand how big Gaza is. As we all live in different continents and regions of the world so different examples will help paint a clear picture for understanding.

Gaza in Comparison with LA (Los Angeles) - USA

The USA. LA (Los Angeles), which is about 1,300 sq km and almost 502 sq miles, is 3.5 times Gaza's size. The length of Gaza can be described as, starting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and ending at San Bernardino, and the width from Beverly Hills to East Hollywood.

Gaza in Comparison with Beijing - China

If we take the example of Beijing, China, and compare it with Gaza, then Beijing sprawls on more than 16,411 sq km, which makes it 6,336 sq miles, making it 45 times bigger in size than Gaza. Gaza, which has a length of 41 km (25 miles), is of the same length as Taoranting Park to Longtan Lake Park and is 10 km (6 miles) wide, similar to the distance from Daxing to Tiantongyuan, Beijing.

Gaza in Comparison with Berlin - Germany

Another comparison to explain how big Gaza is, an example could be Berlin, Germany. Berlin, which was once divided into two parts, East and West by the Berlin Wall, stretches over an area of 829 sq km, which would be 344 sq miles, and is about twice the size of Gaza. The Gaza strip can be calculated as the same as that from Kreuzberg to Gesundbrunnen, and Gaza's length is the same as that from Kladow to Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf.

Gaza in Comparison with Kyiv - Ukraine

Gaza, if compared in size with Kyiv, Ukraine. It spans over an area of 839 sq km, which would be 324 sq miles, which is about twice the size of Gaza. The length of Gaza is as long as that from Irpin to Brovary, and the width of Gaza is as from Pechersk district to Rybalsky district.

Gaza in Comparison with Sydney - Australia

Talking about Gaza's size compared with Sydney, Australia. Sydney stretches over an area of 12,368 sq km, which would be 4,775 sq miles, which is 34 times bigger than Gaza. The total length of Gaza would be similar to that between the Sydney Opera House and St. Mary, and the entire width of Gaza would be from North Sydney to Alexandria.

Gaza in Comparison with Nairobi - Kenya

If we take Nairobi's example, Kenya to match with Gaza. Nairobi has an area of almost 696 sq km, which would be 269 sq miles, meaning it is twice the size of Gaza. Gaza's length is the same as the distance between the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kenyatta University Campus. Gaza's width would be the same as the distance from Uhuru Gardens to the Nairobi Arboretum.

Gaza in Comparison with Doha - Qatar

Another example can be Qatar Doha, in comparison of size with Gaza. Qatar's capital city, Doha, has an area of 132 sq km, which would be 51 sq miles, which is about 40% of the size of Gaza. The length of Gaza is almost the same as the distance between Al Wakra and Umm Salal Muhammed, and the width of Gaza would be equivalent to that of the West Bay to Doha Expressway.

Gaza in Comparison with Islamabad - Pakistan

Yet, another example is Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, which was established in 1960, 13 years after partition with India and independence from the British Empire. It stretches over an area of about 906 sq km, which would be approximately 349 sq miles, which is about 2.5 times Gaza's size. The length of Gaza is almost the distance from the village of Daleh to Ternol, and the width of Gaza is similar to that of Saidpur to Rawal Lake.

Gaza in Comparison with New Delhi - India

Let us take India's example to describe how large the territory of Gaza is now. The national capital of India, New Delhi, stretches over an area of 1,483 sq km, which would be 573 sq miles. This makes New Delhi four times the size of Gaza. Gaza's length is 41km, meaning 25 miles. It is about the same distance as from Badarpur to Kundli. Gaza's width is 10 km, which is 6 miles. Therefore, Gaza's width is of same distance from Chanakyapuri to Pandav Nagar.

There could be countless examples of every country's capital or city with Gaza, just to understand how small the area is and how huge the tragedies are. Pain, suffering, and difficulties are being witnessed by the people of Gaza.

Population Density of Gaza

If we look at Gaza according to population density, Gaza has around 14,000 people per square mile which would be 5,500 per square kilometer. Overall a very small territory of 365km squares (141 sq mi) is destroying inch by inch. On the eastern coast, it has the Mediterranean, whereas it is bordered with Egypt on the southwest, while Israel stretches on the east and north of Gaza, is subjected to unlimited airstrikes, bombardments, and use of white phosphorus bombs. And now because of the decomposition of unburied bodies, bodies under the rubble, or on streets, the fear of widespread multiple deadly diseases has increased tremendously. Which can lead to more dangerous epidemics on the rise.

The Israeli government's spokesman, Eylon Levy, said that 12,500 rockets have been fired on Gaza since October 7, including 2,000 rockets that fell short and landed in Gaza.

However, until this moment, the ground and air assaults on Gaza will not be stopped by Israeli forces.

According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Israel has dropped more than 25,000 tons of explosives on the Gaza Strip since October 7, which is equivalent to two nuclear bombs. Still, the Israeli airstrike surge in Gaza is destroying homes after homes, injuring and killing countless.

Human Aid Arrival in Gaza

Human aid was allowed partially for a few days in Gaza when there was a hostage exchange truce between Israel and Hamas for a few days in which Qatar, Egypt, and the United States played the key role. But now again there is a complete deadlock for any kind of negotiations or exchanges between Israel and Hamas. The price of which is being paid by the innocent Palestinians on all fronts as a collective punishment.

International community support is pouring in for Gaza from all around the world, but are only words enough? Taking strong actions is required so that this siege can lead to an immediate ceasefire.

No more deaths and destruction. This is not the kind of world we would want to live in and raise our children in. What happened to those lectures on peace and humanity, weren't there an 'all lives matter and are equal' campaign earlier? What has become of human rights and what has become of our humanity?

Masses around the world and Gaza

People are posting online and on all forums continuously and saying rightly that you don't have to be a Muslim to support Gaza in these circumstances, you just need to have a human heart, filled with zenith and humanity that is all. How can anyone turn a blind eye to what is happening to the civilians in this war? What is the crime of those beautiful, adorable children, who are dying one after another?

More than 800 journalists were killed in Gaza. Doctors, nurses, healthcare providers, civil defense personnel, and NGOs lost their lives in huge numbers. Teachers, literary figures, and people from all walks of life are losing their lives and their faith in humanity with each passing day.

Every life is attached in this world with so many other lives, relations, dreams, and purposes. What about them all?...When a person dies, all hopes, memories, and life itself die within their loved ones. If humanity is not protected right away collectively, it will be too late.

This is a faint try to document about lives of those who are no longer with us and who have been victims of the Israel-Gaza War. I will only give a brief introduction of those whom I came to know through stories shared by you and others. Who are being called Martyrs, Innocent Civilians, Precious lives, Humans, Those who were killed, staggering life loss..... Those of Gaza, who left us and went to heaven may be watching us whilst resting in peace. Thinking about who is standing on the right side of history? Will justice ever be? Will palastine be soverign? And what about the lives and dreams of those who were lost in this thick fog of this continuous war?

We can pray, we can keep our hopes high, and be attached to the fact that it will all be over very soon. We should not be pessimistic or lose heart or faith in the good, as the right time will come.

The most important task now is to document all the stories told, untold, of the civilians of Palestine. Who lost their lives because of this ruthless war. They didn't decide it for them, they didn't want it for them. They wanted to live not die. To leave this world and depart was sort of imposed on them. As war only brings death, agony, pain, and unlimited suffering.

Seems like what also died in Gaza is the myth of humanity, democracy, and equal rights. It is also true that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for enhancing and promoting respect, equal opportunities, and being fair to all without discrimination is primitive. Regardless of individual backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and religious beliefs. This constructs a solid base for inclusiveness and imperfectness, but a moderately just society. A global society in which all people are treated with equality and dignity, in which we don't feel afraid for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.

If these principles were considered in Gaza, we would not have seen what we all are witnessing as Gaza's catastrophes.

'Gaza is still alive' and will remain alive. The memories of those who departed will remain alive until we read, hear, share, and remember their stories. I definitely won't be able to document every story but by sharing a few stories you may have at least a glimpse of the larger picture.