Gaza Writes Back is a compelling anthology of short stories from fifteen young writers in Gaza, members of a generation that has suffered immensely under Israel’s siege and blockade. Their experiences, especially during and following Israel’s 2008–2009 offensive known as “Operation Cast Lead,” have fundamentally impacted their lives and their writing. Their words take us into the homes and hearts of moms, dads, students, children, and elders striving to live lives of dignity, compassion, and meaning in one of the world’s most embattled communities. Readers will be moved by the struggles big and small that emerge from the well-crafted writing by these young people, and by the hope and courage that radiate from the authors’ biographies.

These stories are acts of resistance and defiance, proclaiming the endurance of Palestinians and the continuing resilience and creativity of their culture in the face of ongoing obstacles and attempts to silence them.

In early December 2023, the Israeli military assassinated professor Alareer sending shockwaves of horror among all who loved and respected him around the world. The Memorial Edition of the collection is produced in loving memory of his life and work. It contains a new foreword by Ali Abunimah of the Electronic Intifada. And in the backmatter, where the story contributors had a chance to introduce themselves in their own words in the first edition, now we include updated self-descriptions from all those whom we could contact, whereas the fate of many of those other talented young people remains unknown.