Thousands of people in the Gaza Strip have been forced to flee as Israel continues to bombard the area. Mahmud al-Sarsawi, an elderly man seeking shelter in a school-turned-bomb-shelter, described the situation as terrifying and said they had no choice but to seek refuge. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has opened up 44 schools as shelters for those displaced by the fighting. The UNWRA estimates that more than 20,000 people have been displaced so far. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the people of Gaza to evacuate certain areas, as Israeli forces plan to target Hamas hideouts. The conflict has already resulted in hundreds of casualties on both sides. Inside the school shelter, families are struggling with the unbearable conditions, both psychologically and economically. The situation is particularly dire for those living in the eastern part of Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip. Many are unable to afford basic necessities such as food and milk for their children. The UN’s World Food Programme has expressed deep concern about the impact of the conflict on civilians’ access to essential food supplies. As people rush to buy food in fear of a prolonged conflict, there is a risk of food stocks being depleted quickly. The violence has caused widespread panic, with people lining up in front of bakers to buy bread while explosions continue to be heard in the background. Families are huddled in shelters, desperately trying to protect their children from the terrifying sound of rockets and airstrikes. The situation in Gaza remains extremely precarious, with thousands of people facing uncertainty and displacement due to the ongoing conflict.
