Under the harsh conditions of war in Gaza, the process of designing a solar still and a solar cooker became a daily challenge and an almost insurmountable task. This project represented more than just an attempt to ease the suffering of displaced people; it was a symbol of resilience and resistance – an assertion of the power of science and creativity in the face of destruction and siege. The idea began during the repeated displacement of my family – we were forced to move 16 times due to constant shelling. With every move I witnessed the increasing hardships people endured, especially in accessing clean drinking water and safe cooking options. Groundwater in most areas was either polluted or highly saline, and alternative sources were either scarce or unavailable during periods of displacement near the sea. At the same time obtaining traditional cooking fuel was a daily struggle due to its high cost and severe shortages.
In response to these dire circumstances, I sought sustainable solutions that could harness the limited natural resources available in Gaza’s besieged environment. From this necessity the idea of designing a solar-powered water-desalination device and a solar cooker was born. These innovations aimed to provide access to clean water and safe cooking methods without relying on conventional fuel sources. Working on the project during the war was fraught with difficulties. Basic materials needed for manufacturing – such as glass, wood, metals and insulators – were nearly impossible to find due to the blockade on Gaza. In response to these circumstances I resorted to recycling local materials. I collected broken glass and recut it to fit the project’s requirements. I used reclaimed wood to build the external structures and devised alternative ways to obtain the unavailable materials.
Ensuring the efficiency of these devices with such limited resources required relentless experimentation and creative problem-solving. For example, I used wooden pallets to improve the solar still’s durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Each technical hurdle was met with resourcefulness; I was driven by the determination to make the project succeed despite the circumstances. The ongoing violence posed constant threats to both my life and the project. The sound of explosions was a regular backdrop to my work, and airstrikes often destroyed my workspace, forcing me to rebuild from scratch in new locations. Frequent power outages meant that I had to rely heavily on hand tools, often working for long hours under extreme conditions, lit only by candlelight or direct sunlight.
Despite these challenges I viewed the project as a unique form of resistance. It was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Gaza’s people. Through science and innovation I aimed to send a message to the world that Gaza is not defined by despair, but by creativity and the capacity to transform adversity into opportunity.
The completion of the solar-still prototype marked a turning point. Families who had endured prolonged water shortages were able to access clean, safe drinking water. Women, children and the elderly who had suffered from illnesses caused by contaminated water began to see improvements in their health. Similarly the solar cooker offered a sustainable, fuel-free cooking solution that eased the financial burden on families and reduced their reliance on environmentally harmful energy sources.
This experience underscored the transformative potential of science and innovation, even under the harshest conditions. What began as a personal effort to alleviate suffering evolved into a symbol of resilience and sustainability. My dream now is to expand this project to benefit more displaced people in Gaza and other regions facing similar challenges of water scarcity, salinity and pollution.
This initiative is not just a solution to water and energy shortages but also a message of hope. It demonstrates that no matter how significant the obstacles, they can be overcome with creativity, determination and hard work. Every time I see a family benefit from these innovations, I am reminded that my struggles were not in vain and that resistance through science and creativity is one of the most profound forms of resistance.
