DES MOINES, Iowa — As the war in Israel continues, Iowan Maria Reveiz is sharing the stories of loved ones stuck in Palestine.
Reveiz was supposed to be in Palestine on Oct. 7, the day the war began, but due to Israel not approving her travel in advance, she didn't make the trip.
"I feel terribly guilty that I'm here and so safe and that I have food and water and a bed," Reveiz said. "I don't have to worry about missiles dropping on me."
Reveiz has been traveling to Palestine since 2016, serving at various clinics and providing community support.
However, Reveiz said getting to Plalesetine is a terrifying experience.
"So, whenever I go, whenever I enter the country or leave the country, I'm treated like a terrorist. Just cause they know I go to Gaza in the West Bank," Reveiz said.
With loved ones still stuck in Palestine, Reveiz shared their day-to-day realities.
"A lot of people want the border to open so they can go back in there and just die with their family. A lot of people want the border to open so they can leave," she said. "The stories are horrifying, they feel like humanity has let them down, the only thing they can count on is God."
According to Reveiz, there are certain streets Palestinian's can't travel on, different color license plates for Palestinians and restricted sidewalks. She told Local 5 her loved ones are hoping for a cease fire.
"Every Palestinian I ask they say, call it one state, call it Israel, just give us the same rights. They don't want to kick anybody out, they just want the same rights," Reveiz said.
While Reveiz described the conditions in Palestine as horrendous, she said it's important for everyone to know the war started long before October.
"Just how every single thing is difficult when you live under occupation, military occupation. And that this is not new, this didn't start Oct. 7. This started years, decades ago," Reveiz said.