Call for Submissions: Voices from Gaza

For The Writers | Official
Jun 14
3 min read

Updated: Jun 21

We are seeking first-person accounts, testimonies, and reflections from those who are currently—or have recently been—on the ground in Gaza, as well as from those with close ties to people living through the crisis.

As the world watches a devastating humanitarian emergency unfold, we believe the most vital truths come not from headlines or political analysis, but from the lived experiences of those directly impacted. No amount of distant commentary can substitute for the voices of people navigating violence, displacement, and profound loss in real time.

We invite writers, poets, journalists, photographers, medics, teachers, parents, students—anyone with a story, or who can share the story of someone close to them—to document what is happening. Your voice matters. Your perspective helps memorialize this moment with depth, dignity, and truth.

What We’re Looking For (Among Others)

We invite raw, unfiltered narratives from anyone witnessing or surviving the destruction in Gaza. Submissions may come in any form, and from all walks of life—civilians, medics, educators, aid workers, former or current military personnel, and members of the press. Your voice matters. Your truth deserves a record.

We are specifically seeking:

First-person accounts of daily life under siege—stories of survival, displacement, separation, and resistance;
Letters or journal entries from those in hiding, grieving, or fighting to protect their families and communities;
Poetry, prose, or spoken word rooted in personal loss, endurance, rage, hope, or remembrance;
Reports, reflections, or field notes from aid workers, local journalists, doctors, and humanitarian responders witnessing the crisis unfold in real time;
Testimonies from Palestinian veterans or ex-military observers who have insight into the ground realities and shifting conditions;
Visual and audio documentation (photos, video, recorded interviews or voice notes) that can be shared digitally, as safety permits; and/or
Anonymous or pseudonymous submissions to protect identities while preserving truth

Whether you're writing from a shattered hospital, a refugee corridor, a journalist’s bunker, or a parent’s kitchen table, your story holds power.

This call is not about shaping a narrative. It’s about preserving lived reality before it’s distorted or forgotten. This platform will act as a digital archive—a testimony to reality told by those who know it best.

Looking for inspiration? Continue reading: A Haunting Portrait of War through the Eyes of Palestinian Poets in "Forest of Noise."

Why This Matters

Governments may debate numbers. Media outlets may frame narratives. But your story is your truth, and it deserves to be preserved, protected, and shared.

In the face of mass displacement, systemic destruction, and the silencing of entire communities, bearing witness becomes an act of resistance.

As the rubble grows, as lives are lost and lineages threatened, history must hear from the people, not just the politicians.

Submission Guidelines

We welcome submissions across all open categories. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your work is properly considered:

File Uploads: You may include up to five files with your submission. Accepted formats include Word documents, PDFs, audio recordings, photographs, and video files that support or accompany your written narrative.
Cover Letter: A cover letter is required for all submissions. This should briefly introduce you (if you’re comfortable), explain the context of your piece, and note whether anonymity is requested.
Document Format: Written submissions must be formatted as a Word Document or PDF, using 12-point font, double-spaced, and clearly titled.
Deadline: Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, unless otherwise stated in your specific call.
Anonymity and Privacy: If you request anonymity, we will remove all identifying details and handle your submission with the highest level of confidentiality. Your safety and privacy are a core priority of this project. We adhere to strict ethical editorial standards to protect every contributor.

Please carefully review the specific submission requirements for the call you’re responding to before submitting. We look forward to hearing your story and honoring it with the care it deserves.