My Story, Our Story: Conflict, Hope and Storytelling in Gaza

‘Pathway to WFP’ is the LinkedIn career series by the World Food Programme investigating the professional backgrounds and life choices that led our staff to the world’s largest humanitarian agency. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive new episodes directly in your inbox!

In this issue, we spotlight the crucial role of communications in humanitarian efforts, especially during crises. Our profile this month is Nour Hammad , a Communications Assistant at WFP and a Palestinian from Gaza whose firsthand experience brings a deeply personal perspective to the work she does.

In this interview, Nour shares the emotional challenges of navigating her own losses while continuing to support her community through her work and giving voice to those enduring similar struggles.

Keep reading to find out more about the challenges and triumphs of telling stories from the frontlines.

Please introduce yourself. What is your role at WFP? Where do you work and where are you from?

My name is Nour Hammad. I am a Palestinian from Gaza. I work as a Communications Assistant with the World Food Programme in Palestine Country Office. I joined WFP a couple of years ago, hoping to be part of change-making in my community.?

Tell us about your professional journey: how did you start your career? What is your academic and previous professional background?

My professional journey has been shaped by a series of unique experiences and the guidance of creative, supportive supervisors. I've been fortunate to have mentors who continually encouraged me to push my limits and never settle for less.

It all started when I took my first steps into the professional world as an intern in my university's external relations department. This role combined grant management with partner communications, laying a strong foundation in relationship-building and strategic outreach. Just as I was finishing my internship, an exciting opportunity with Gaza Sky Geeks came up. I joined as a language and technical skills mentor, helping others develop their skills while growing my own.

A year later, my work with Gaza Sky Geeks led me to a role with Mercy Corps as a Communications Assistant. In this position, I created content for social media and crafted success and humanitarian stories about the entrepreneurs and skilled youth that Mercy Corps supported through capacity-building programs. This deepened my passion for storytelling and its power to attract resources and bring people together.

These experiences, from mentoring and communications to grant management and outreach, have all contributed to where I am today at the World Food Programme. Each step has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a deeper understanding of how impactful communication can create real change.

Academically, my BA in English Language and Literature and my Master's in Translation Studies have been crucial to my journey. They’ve given me a strong foundation in writing, storytelling, and analyzing complex ideas—skills that have consistently set me apart.

What brought you to WFP? Please expand on how you joined the organization, and how your experience has been so far.??

The story of how I joined WFP still gives me goosebumps. While working on my MA, I chose one of WFP’s press releases for a discourse analysis project. As I explored their website, learning about their mission, global reach, and impact, a thought began to take root: I want to work with them.

Just a couple of weeks later, as if the universe was listening, WFP announced a Communications Assistant position. I applied, went through the selection process, and eventually, got the job.

What makes my journey with WFP unique isn’t just the work we do, but also who I am and where I come from.

I’m part of the community we serve—a Palestinian from Gaza, living the same daily challenges we at WFP are working to address.

The struggles, the fleeting moments of joy, the pain and hope—I experience them like everyone else in Gaza. But working with WFP allows me to turn that shared experience into something bigger. It gives me a chance to serve my people, to ease some of their suffering, and to nurture hope.

This role holds deep meaning for me. As someone who was once a recipient of UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency) services as a refugee child, being able to give back as a humanitarian, storyteller, and voice for my community feels like coming full circle. It’s my way of paying it forward to both the Palestinian and humanitarian communities that shaped me.

Living and working in Gaza during the war has been an extraordinary experience—heartbreaking, overwhelming, and deeply personal.

I’ve been displaced and directly affected by the conflict, and yet I continue my humanitarian work. I tell the stories of survivors and share their voices while being a survivor myself.

My emotions are constantly shifting—pride mixed with exhaustion, fear balanced by courage, and hope emerging even in the darkest moments.

Through it all, my work with WFP gives me glimpses of light. It reminds me of the goodness that still exists in humanity, even during the hardest times. I witness unimaginable suffering, but also incredible resilience and strength—this is what keeps me going.

What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities at work???

My day-to-day responsibilities tend to shift depending on what’s happening. One day, I could be out in the field with my team, capturing photos and videos of WFP aid being loaded onto trucks or sent to warehouses. I might be creating content for social media or traveling to document stories that highlight the human side of the crisis. Other days, I’m writing stories, reports, drafting press releases, or preparing talking points for high-level visits. I also engage with donors to ensure their needs are met and their impact is clearly communicated.

I believe that in humanitarian emergencies, communications is not just an information-sharing tool—it is about amplifying the voices of those affected and ensuring that their needs are understood globally. For WFP, communications is the bridge to showing how donor support directly translates into aid for communities.?

What is the most rewarding part of working at WFP?

The most rewarding part of my work is the privilege of connecting directly with communities, hearing their stories, and sharing their experiences with the world. Even though humanitarian work often gets caught up in politics and complexities, witnessing the resilience and strength of people facing incredible challenges is what keeps me motivated.

I get to listen to people’s voices and bring their stories to the forefront, making sure their needs and aspirations are understood by the international community. Bridging the gap between the communities WFP serves and a global audience is deeply fulfilling to me because it turns individual stories into a collective call for support.?

For me, it's about looking beyond the numbers. I believe that communication not only humanizes the data behind our work but also helps secure the resources and attention needed to drive real change. Knowing that my work contributes to tangible improvements in people’s lives—whether it’s through food security, building resilience, or providing emergency relief—gives me a deep sense of purpose and connection to WFP's mission.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your job and how did you overcome them??

I face many challenges in my role, especially due to the ongoing war and prolonged humanitarian crisis. One of the most difficult aspects this year has been balancing my own fear, loss, and uncertainty with the responsibility of documenting and sharing the stories of others who are facing similar, or often even more intense, struggles. All while showcasing WFP’s response.

Connectivity and logistical challenges have been major hurdles, particularly during the war. There were weeks when Gaza was in a total communication blackout, completely cut off from the outside world, and I lost contact with my team and colleagues. Despite the fear and uncertainty during those times, we always found a way to push through and continue our work in the field.

Operating in an active war zone also brings its own sensitivities. Securing the necessary clearances, coordinating with families, accessing areas with varying levels of food insecurity, and ensuring the safety of myself and my team can be incredibly difficult. When things go wrong, the top priority is always the safety of the team—everything else comes second.

Engaging with people in such circumstances requires deep empathy and a respectful approach. Many are overstimulated, extremely protective of their space, both physically and mentally. I work closely with our security team, field monitors, and partners to ensure that our interactions are as thoughtful and sensitive as possible.

Another challenge comes from working in such a volatile environment. The stories I hear are often filled with profound trauma, and it can be emotionally draining to listen to and document them, knowing the immense struggles behind each one. To cope, I prioritize self-care and lean on a support network of friends and colleagues who understand the pressures of this work.?

Through it all, resilience helps me push forward, keeping my focus on the greater purpose of what we do—telling stories that matter, raising awareness, and making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

What is the role of WFP in Emergencies?

WFP is often the first and fastest humanitarian responder in emergencies. When the war in Gaza started, WFP quickly stepped in to address urgent needs for food and logistics support, becoming [one of] the largest humanitarian actors in this crisis. We're currently targeting over 1.1 million people with various forms of food assistance. What sets WFP apart is our ability to rapidly scale up operations to meet the needs on the ground and adapt to the evolving situation. In Gaza, I’ve seen firsthand how WFP’s efforts not only provide food to those who need it most, but also keep hope alive. For people who have lost everything—and sometimes everyone—receiving food assistance offers a sense of care and dignity during incredibly tough times.

Our work in logistics and Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) is equally critical. When supply chains face bottlenecks or disruptions, WFP steps in, helping other organizations deliver aid where it’s needed most. Throughout the war in Gaza, WFP has been on the ground, addressing telecommunication challenges to ensure that humanitarian responders, supply chains, and personnel can continue their life-saving work.

Do you have any tips for someone who wants to pursue a similar career??

• Find a Mentor: The communications field has evolved rapidly with the rise of digital platforms, but the core principles—effective messaging and storytelling—remain the same. A mentor with experience in the industry can guide you through these changes, helping you adapt to new trends while grounding you in the timeless aspects of communications.?
• Combine Technical and Soft Skills: Excellent writing and great ideas make a strong foundation but you should also know how to make your writings and ideas see the light and speak to people’s hearts and minds. Learn to plan, format, edit, publish, and analyze the impact of your content.
• Build Emotional Resilience and Compassion: If you work in conflict zones, you will encounter stories of hardship and resilience that might mirror your own or those of your community. It’s important to connect with these stories while maintaining a professional distance so that you can continue to advocate effectively without becoming overwhelmed. Establishing healthy coping mechanisms is key.?

Do you have anything to add??????

My work with WFP introduced me to incredible counterparts and colleagues from other UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. Their guidance and advice throughout my journey with WFP kept me focused and on the right path. I dedicate this to all the humanitarian workers who lost their lives while serving on the ground during the war in Gaza, and any other emergency around the world.

Thank you Nour!

Let us know your thoughts and questions and share these career tips with the future humanitarians in your LinkedIn connections. Subscribe to our ‘Pathway to WFP’ newsletter to receive the next episode in your inbox!