Deir el-Balah, Gaza – Rima Khamis, a 34-year-old mother of three, had recently arrived at her parents' house in Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City to visit her sick mother after living in the north of the city.

‘Just started running’

Receiving abrupt orders from Israel to evacuate Daraj, Tuffah, and the Old City, Rima described the chaos and panic that ensued.

Desperately trying to reach her husband without success, Rima swiftly gathered her children and essential items and fled towards the north.

Encountering challenges with her unwell mother unable to move, she had to leave her behind temporarily.

Witnessing a mass forced displacement, Rima noted the bewildered state of those around her, aimlessly carrying vital possessions.

Amid the scarcity of fuel and inability to utilize vehicles, people were compelled to abandon non-essential items and physically carry what they needed for survival.

Arriving at her in-laws' residence after a grueling journey, Rima and her children were reunited with their father.

Refusing a life of displacement

Rima's family made a conscious decision to remain in Gaza City during the Israeli assault, despite the challenges they faced and the scarcity of resources.

Choosing to endure hardships rather than flee, they grappled with food shortages and lived in a severely damaged but familiar environment.

The looming threat of Israeli presence forced more residents to evacuate, intensifying the fear and uncertainty in the besieged city.

Patients evacuated on their gurneys

Amidst the chaos of evacuation orders, Alaa Al-Nimr found herself in a hospital with her family, witnessing the frantic attempts to relocate patients and medical equipment.

Experiencing traumatic displacement and separation from loved ones, Alaa recounted the overwhelming scenes of fear and uncertainty.

Struggling to navigate the perilous situation, Alaa and her husband sought refuge with relatives, surrounded by the constant threat of Israeli military action.