Gaza Strip, Palestine — Since the outbreak of intensified conflict on October 7, the Gaza Strip has witnessed a significant escalation in violence, resulting in the loss of more than 1,600 lives on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The ongoing hostilities have forced tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians to flee their homes in search of safety.
Local schools have become makeshift shelters for displaced families, offering a temporary haven amid the turmoil. At one such school shelter in Gaza, the atmosphere is tense yet resilient. Families huddle together in classrooms, sharing scarce resources and comforting one another in the face of uncertainty.
“The situation is very bad,” says Ahmed, a father of three who arrived at the shelter after his neighborhood was affected by airstrikes. “We had to leave everything behind. We just hope things calm down so that life can go back to normal soon.”
The overcrowded conditions in the shelters pose challenges. Basic necessities such as clean water, food, and medical supplies are in short supply. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide aid, but access is limited due to the ongoing conflict.
Sara, a volunteer teacher at the school, emphasizes the psychological impact on the children. “Many of them are scared and confused. We try to keep them engaged with activities, but it’s hard when we don’t know what will happen next.”
The international community has called for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. Meanwhile, civilians on both sides bear the brunt of the conflict, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow them to rebuild their lives.
As the region grapples with this crisis, the resilience of the displaced families reflects a deep-rooted desire for peace and normalcy. “We just want our children to be safe,” says Fatima, a mother staying at the shelter. “No one should have to live like this.”
Reference(s):
Exclusive Stringer Dispatch: Palestinian school shelter outlook bleak
cgtn.com
