"The unemployment rates are so high that I can only find intermittent or temporary jobs placements."

My dream was to pursue pharmaceutical studies and natural medicine which can only be done outside of Gaza. The blockade did not allowed me this privilege. I was therefore compelled to study IT [information technology].

Today, I have completed my university studies and the siege is still ongoing. I contemplated traveling to pursue my post graduate studies, but I was unable to do so. I even tried to work in the Gaza Strip, but the unemployment rates are so high that I can only find intermittent or temporary jobs placements.

Today, I live in a two-room apartment with eight family members. I cannot establish a family whether by moving into a new home or by building or expanding our current one. This is because I lack the resources and opportunities needed to do this. I try to overcome these difficulties but we have lost our rights. I have no right to establish a family, and I consider my aspirations to be only dreams.

Students in Gaza wishing to study in international institutions are frequently denied the right to travel.