Palestinians in Rafah woke up to the sound of Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the southern Gaza city unsure of their next steps. According to an aid worker, there is a sense of desperation among the residents as they struggle to find safe havens amidst the ongoing conflict.
The head of the Norwegian Refugee Council's operations in Gaza reported witnessing thousands of people fleeing the airstrikes, with the sound of artillery adding to the chaos. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of safe routes for people to escape the violence, leaving many trapped in a dangerous environment.
Over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah during the seven months of war, with many expressing fear and despair following Israel's evacuation orders for eastern parts of the city. The deadly Israeli strikes on Tuesday came after Hamas' response to ceasefire terms was deemed inadequate by Israeli officials.
Confusion over a potential ceasefire deal led to initial celebrations in Rafah, only to be shattered by the resumption of Israeli bombings. The emotional toll on the residents is evident, with the constant uncertainty and fear taking a heavy toll on families trying to protect their loved ones.
The situation in Rafah highlights the dire circumstances faced by Palestinians in Gaza, with the ongoing conflict causing immense suffering and displacement. As the violence continues, the need for humanitarian aid and international intervention becomes increasingly urgent to alleviate the plight of those caught in the crossfire.
