Hundreds of thousands of individuals are fleeing from North Gaza to the South as Israeli airstrikes continue to plague the region. This mass exodus is a preemptive measure in anticipation of Israel’s planned ground invasion in Gaza. In an interview with Insider, a Gaza City resident recounts their harrowing journey to safety.
This week, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of nearly 1.1 million residents from northern Gaza to the southern part of the blockaded strip. Many Palestinians had to rely on unconventional means of transportation, such as walking or using mule-drawn carriages, while others were fortunate enough to find a ride on a bus or a truck.
Unfortunately, the path to safety was far from secure. Eyewitnesses reported that airstrikes killed numerous civilians attempting to escape via a designated safe route. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the death toll at 70. The Israel Defense Forces denied responsibility for these casualties, while Hamas placed the blame on Israel.
As a result, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now find themselves crammed into the southern regions of Gaza, facing shortages of essential resources like food, water, fuel, electricity, and medical supplies. Israel’s restrictions on the area have contributed to the dire situation, prompting human rights groups to advocate for humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to those in need.
Insider interviewed Amjad Shabat, a Gaza resident who fled with her family to the Rafah border crossing, about their experience. In the interview, Shabat describes the terrifying and heart-wrenching journey they undertook. The memories of past displacements, such as those in 1948, were resurfacing, adding to the fear and sadness of the situation.
When asked about what they were able to bring with them, Shabat reveals that they left with nothing and have been wearing the same clothes since they left. They were fortunate to have a relative with a car who came to their rescue. However, many others were not as lucky and remain stranded in Gaza due to a lack of transportation.
The drive to safety was treacherous, with poor visibility and overcrowded vehicles. Shabat highlights the fear and distress among the people trying to escape the relentless airstrikes. While they could hear the bombings in the background, they were fortunate not to witness any firsthand.
Regarding their home, Shabat expresses uncertainty about its fate. They had recently purchased a flat in the center of Gaza City after years of saving and are hopeful it hasn’t been destroyed. The surrounding areas have suffered extensive damage, further fueling their concerns.
Currently, the most pressing issue for Shabat and others in the southern regions of Gaza is the scarcity of basic resources like water and food. They have run out of bread and water, and the absence of electricity and internet connectivity has made daily life incredibly challenging. Yet, Shabat is grateful for neighborly support and access to a private generator for emergency power.
Shabat describes the situation near the Rafah border as dire, with overcrowded schools functioning as makeshift shelters for thousands of families. The mental health of the displaced individuals is in shambles, with some unable to speak or focus their eyes due to the trauma they have endured. The influx of people has overwhelmed the small city’s infrastructure, and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable without access to their medications. The fear and anxiety among the displaced population are palpable.
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