Tensions remain high in the current conflict in Gaza City. The city’s largely Palestinian residents are now suffering the devastating human impact of the Israeli security cabinet’s decision last month to reestablish Israel’s direct control over the city. This is an extreme new step in that court’s long war. As of 1 October, it has led to the deaths of over 61,000 Palestinians — around 90% of whom are non-combatants. During the recent limited evacuations, hundreds of thousands have streamed from Gaza City under evacuation orders. They all face an uncertain future now, though thousands returned home during a month long ceasefire.
Our host, Ibrahim Abu al-Husni, 47, represents the defiance of most residents. He recently lost his eldest son, just 23 years old, fighting in the war, but is resolute in his desire to continue to stay. “This is our land where we grew up since childhood, and we will not give it up easily,” said Abu al-Husni. Here is where I choose to live, and here is where I choose to die.
The ongoing war—including bombardment of hospitals and places of refuge—has led almost 1 million of Gaza City’s 2 million residents to prepare for yet another disaster. For many, the Israeli occupation plan has nothing to do with a far-right, evil strategic tactic. It is intended to force Hamas to capitulate after US–Egypt–Qatar mediated talks have reportedly collapsed. Residents are rightfully concerned that this plan will evict tens of thousands of current residents. They say it will go beyond complicating delivery of food, humanitarian aid and other essential efforts.
Here’s how Hossam al-Saqa, 46, a father of two from Gaza City, describes his fears over the Israeli plan. “We talking about putting all these folks on the already congested south,” he said incredulously. Most of all, his words painted a picture of the terrifying reality people are living in as their choices disappear. Al-Saqa is one of hundreds of thousands who refuse to leave home, living under the worst conditions imaginable, yet determined to survive. “We are continuing to occupy our ancestral homelands, keeping them. Do whatever you do — arrest me, lock me up — I will not go away, even if all the guns are aimed at my scalp.”
According to several sources familiar with the cabinet meeting’s discussions, the evacuation of Gaza City will be completed by the morning of October 7. The deadline is coming fast. The war has made at least 90% of the population IDPs at one point or another. Therefore, the pipeline gets progressively worse. While thousands have flooded to cities such as Khan Younis and Rafah, these areas lack adequate shelter and continue to be targeted by bombardment.
Umm Ibrahim Banat, a 55-year-old mother who has been displaced four times, expressed her exhaustion from constant displacement and starvation. “Unfortunately now, we are the walking dead,” she cried, representing the sentiments of hopelessness experienced by most in Gaza City. Her words resonate with many residents caught in the crosshairs of military intervention and humanitarian disaster.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Nearly one in ten residents of Gaza City has been injured by Israeli bombardments. Back at home, no indications have emerged suggesting that the war is slamming to a close. As families like that of Abu al-Husni grapple with loss and uncertainty, many residents remain defiant against the pressures to evacuate.
“If we are ordered to evacuate, I will leave everything and go, fearing for my family and children.” – Abu Nasser Mushtaha
Although the future is still very uncertain and unstable, with even more families preparing to face talent-tide turmoil. Despite the threat of violence, many continue to attempt to hold on to their homes and lands. Though they now watch as their formerly quiet neighborhoods become thorny battlegrounds, their determination only seems to grow.