Since the outbreak of the war, Hatem Al-Atar, 25, has devoted his life to his job. Many of the individuals under attack were his neighbors, people he had grown up with.
Despite his unmarried status, Hatem's bravery was not rash, but born out of a sober awareness of the constant threat of death.
Seated in the civil defense office in Deir al-Balah with his comrades, they engage in casual conversations while checking their phones, each one a survivor.
The devastating toll is evident as ninety-four of their colleagues lost their lives, with over 300 sustaining injuries, nearly half of the civil defense organization in Gaza.
For Hatem, the reality of death struck close when an explosion near Nasser hospital threw him off his feet. Amidst the chaos, he recounts, "There were people injured and killed around the house," prompting him to enter, only to face a reconnaissance missile strike.
Surviving the blast captured on camera by a colleague, Hatem is shown venturing into the building amidst smoke and fire to aid the wounded, miraculously being rescued by his friends.
Reflecting on the heart-wrenching loss he suffered during the war, Hatem fondly recalls receiving the devastating news of his father's tragic death at the hands of an air strike.
As the ceasefire finally arrives, he contemplates his future, contemplating a return to his education and, possibly, seeking companionship through marriage.
The poignant recounting of individuals' experiences during the conflict in Gaza is a testament to the resilience and fortitude of its people, captured tirelessly by local journalists amidst the scenes of destruction and hope for a better tomorrow.