Hamza Abu Howidy | Shells on the beach in Gaza

“Sometimes I feel like the loneliest Palestinian in the world.”  Hamza Abu Howidy tells us about growing up in Gaza in the 2000s, about his family – particularly his father, who taught him life’s great lessons whilst collecting mussels – but also of the bloody clashes between Fatah and Hamas, right on his doorstep, and just how much life in Gaza was shaped by terror. Years later, he protested against Hamas and was arrested, tortured and forced to flee. Today, he is one of the most important political voices from the Palestinian exile community, yet he refuses to be co-opted by either the pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian sides. A deeply personal book that is both a source of hope and a plea for a democratic and peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.

Hamza Abu Howidy, born in Gaza in 1997, studied economics and administration at the Islamic University of Gaza and became involved in opposition to Hamas rule at an early age. As part of the ‘We Want to Live’ protest movement, he was arrested and tortured on several occasions. In 2023, he fled to Germany via Egypt and Greece. As a freelance writer and speaker, he advocates for non-violent approaches to the Middle East conflict in German-language and international media.

“Shells on the Beach of Gaza is an unusual and highly fascinating account of a young Palestinian’s life beyond all the clichés.” Victoria Eglau, Deutschlandfunk (preview), 3 August 2026

The book will be available for purchase at the event.

Please note that the reading will take place in German, whilst the discussion with the author will be in English.

Ticket information:

You decide for yourself how much you can or would like to pay; there are various price tiers available. You do not need to show proof of payment if you choose the lowest price tier. Seating is unallocated, regardless of the ticket you choose. You can print out your ticket or show it on your mobile phone. We want to make it possible for everyone to attend the event at the Fritz Bauer Forum; at the same time, we rely on ticket revenue and would be delighted if you are able and willing to support us with a contribution of €20.

Price tiers: €5 – €10 – €15 – €20

An event organised by the Fritz Bauer Forum