Palestwinians.

Clashes.

"And we have enjoined man in respect of his parents-- his mother bears him with faintings upon faintings and his weaning takes two years-- saying: be grateful to me and to both your parents; to me is the eventual coming." - Qur'an 31:14

~ This chapter is dedicated to every man and woman in Al Quds [Jerusalem,] who fight for their right to pray in Al Sakhrah mosque. If any of you are interested and have instagram, check out a profile called aqsa_jerusalem. They put up live videos and photos of what's been occuring at the mosque, including videos of clashes and fights. Very troubling. May Allah [swt] help these people. Ameen. 

Chapter 29 - Clashes. 

The sound of a door being slammed violently jolted me out of bed. I rubbed at my eyes with one hand and pulled the bed covers off with the other. I could hear Noah and Zach’s voices from outside, but since I was still half asleep, I didn’t bother trying to properly make out what they were saying. I dragged myself into the adjacent bathroom and emerged minutes later, more refreshed. I got dressed in my favourite baggy black genie pants and an aqua cardigan, with a scarf to match. Slipping my black flats on, I hastily walked out to find the boys, whilst trying not to trip.

“Stupid shoe,” I grumbled. 

Even though Zach could now see me without my scarf on, I felt it would be more appropriate, or more romantic even, for him to wait until after our wedding, when we were living together. I knew he wouldn’t mind, especially since we would begin planning our wedding as soon as we returned to Gaza. 

Yawning, I trudged into the living room and instantly, my sleepiness faded. I didn’t expect to find the boys in the state they were in. Both were sitting on the couch; Noah had his head in his hands and even though his black hair was obscuring some of his face, I could still make out a pained expression on his face.  Zach was massaging a bruise on his bicep and wincing every few seconds. 

“What happened?!” I gasped out, and both their heads snapped up towards me.  

“Clashes,” Noah groaned, rubbing at his temples fiercely. Looking at the time, I realised it was past dhur. The Israeli forces must’ve not let men in to pray today. 

“Are you guys OK?” I walked up to Zach first and kneeled in front of him, inspecting his face for any injuries. Other than the few bruises, a busted lip and some blood was all I could make out.  

“Better now you’re here,” he beamed at me. I gave him a sweet smile, but the worry must’ve still been present on my face, since he grasped my hand and squeezed it reassuringly.  

“What about you?” I said to Noah, turning to look at him. He leaned his head against the couch and closed his eyes tiredly. 

“I’m all good little sis. I’ve only got some bruises and a bad headache, it’s Zach here, who’s got a bad cut.” 

“What?!” I screeched, turning to inspect him vigorously.

“Dude,” he drawled accusingly.  

“What cut Zach? What’s he talking about?” It couldn’t have been that bad if he was back at the hotel and not in a hospital, so I knew I was being a bit irrational with my worry. 

Zach sighed and let go of my hand to pull up his shirt slightly. Near his left hip bone, a deep angry cut was visible. Blood was oozing out of the gash, staining his shirt and stomach red. I gasped again and I knew my face had started to pale a little. I could handle working with blood when I needed to, but I did not like it one bit. I grabbed Zach’s left hand, since his right one was still bandaged, and dragged him to the bathroom.