First, a long sleepless night because of Israeli airstrikes.  Then, a heat wave exceeding 113 degrees Fahrenheit with no electricity for air conditioners.

We desperately needed a change!

So me, Denney, Belal and Nader went to the best and only place for relaxation in Gaza—the beach.

It was very crowded, and 50 percent polluted.  But we enjoyed ourselves so much and felt some peace and quiet.

I am not exactly sure what we were plotting when a friend took this photograph of us, but we “partners in resistance and friendship” were caught in the act.  The expressions on our faces are definitely not our best, but our friendships are strong and enduring.

Then, today, we sat glued to the television optimistically awaiting FIFA’s decision on the Palestinian request to oust Israel.  The Palestine Football Association had accused Israel of hampering its activities and restricting the movement of players between the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

But at the last minute, our representative, Jibril Rajoub, dropped the ball completely, saying: “I am persuaded to back down from the motion, but this does not mean I give up the resistance.”  The Israeli representative replied mockingly: “Let’s play, and hug each other.”

It didn’t come as a surprise.  Rajoub served before as the head of the PA’s Preventive Security services, which is best known for arresting, humiliating and torturing opponents of the occupation and Abbas.  On the other hand, Bibi was euphoric.

God, when will this end?