A Rare Glimpse into Gaza – No Way but Forward Explores the Human Spirit

Gaza is often described as a “conflict zone,” but what does life really look like for the people who live there? In his powerful new book, No Way but Forward, author and researcher Brian K. Barber opens a window into the daily lives of families who have spent decades navigating extraordinary challenges. The result is a story of humanity, endurance, and the universal pursuit of a better life.

Unlike many books on Gaza, No Way but Forward does not focus on political events, battles, or abstract analyses. Instead, Barber gives readers an intimate and deeply personal perspective by following the lives of three men—Hammam, Hussam, and Khalil—and their families over the course of 30 years. Through their stories, we see Gaza not as a geopolitical issue, but as a home for families full of love, struggles, triumphs, and hope.

Barber’s connection to these families began in 1995 when he first visited Gaza as part of his work as a psychologist studying youth and families in regions of conflict. He has spent weeks or months almost every year in Gaza since allowing him to build close relationships of trust and respect. These bonds allow Barber to tell the stories of Hammam, Hussam, and Khalil with extraordinary authenticity and detail.

At its heart, No Way but Forward is about family and the human spirit. The book explores universal moments that will resonate with readers everywhere—parents celebrating a child’s achievements, families supporting each other through loss, and individuals making difficult decisions to secure a better future. It is a reminder that, no matter where we live, the bonds of family and the desire for dignity unite us all.

We meet Hammam, a father and community leader who balances financial struggles with a sense of responsibility to his family and extended community. His journey highlights the sacrifices parents make for their children, even when it means turning down opportunities for a more comfortable life elsewhere. Hammam’s story is one of quiet strength and love, as he works tirelessly to provide for his family while remaining rooted in his homeland.

Then there’s Khalil’s journey that offers a poignant exploration of justice and integrity. As a child, a brutal encounter with soldiers shaped his lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy. Through his work, Khalil calls out abuses wherever they occur, regardless of political affiliation. Yet his honesty and dedication to truth come at great personal cost, leading to betrayal, isolation, and hardship. His resilience and personal growth reveal the complex realities of working for justice in a region fraught with challenges.

Finally, Hussam, whose passion for education defines his life. As a teenager, he led his peers during the first intifada but paid a steep price, enduring imprisonment for his activism. Yet, rather than breaking his spirit, those experiences fueled his determination to succeed. Hussam pursued his education against incredible odds, eventually becoming a respected academic. His story reflects the tension between staying in Gaza—a place he loves—and the practical pull of seeking a better future abroad.

While the first sections of No Way but Forward explore these men’s lives over decades, the final chapters shift focus to the events following October 7, 2023. In this section, Barber shares direct messages and vivid accounts from the families as they endure the devastating impacts of constant bombardment, displacement, and uncertainty. Through their words, readers gain an unfiltered view of what it means to live through unimaginable upheaval while holding onto hope and determination.

What makes No Way but Forward so impactful is its ability to humanize Gaza. It challenges readers to see beyond headlines and statistics, revealing the vibrant lives that exist within a region often dismissed as a “conflict zone.” Hammam, Khalil, and Hussam, and their wives, children and parents, are not symbols or statistics—they honorable individuals striving for dignity, stability, and happiness. Their stories remind us that the human spirit can endure in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Brian K. Barber’s No Way but Forward is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand Gaza through the eyes of those who live there. It is a profound, moving, and timely work that reminds us of the shared humanity that binds us all, no matter where we come from.

The book will be available on January 15, 2024. For more information, interviews, or review copies, visit bkbarber.com or contact gazaforward1@gmail.com.