In the midst of the devastating Israeli bombardment in Gaza, a smaller figure emerges – the disappearance of 20 families. These families are an integral part of Gaza’s tightly knit society, where generations have known each other for years. However, due to the relentless Israeli air attacks, these families have been wiped out along with their entire living generations, as Palestinians report.
Over the past seven days, the Gaza Strip has endured constant Israeli airstrikes. Israel announced that it has dropped a staggering 6,000 bombs on Gaza, averaging around 1,000 per day. The death toll in Gaza has now risen to at least 1,799 Palestinians, with women and children accounting for 60% of the casualties. More than 6,388 people have been injured.
The aftermath of these attacks leaves entire neighborhoods in ruins and reduced to blackened rubble. While Israel claims to respond to a surprise attack from the armed wing of Hamas, the civilians trapped in Gaza have borne the brunt of these bombings. Israel’s stated aim is to eliminate Hamas and dismantle its infrastructure, but it is innocent civilians who face the grim consequences.
In the Jabaliya refugee camp, 31 members of the Shihab family were killed, with other families seeking refuge in their building, hoping it was a safe place. The attack in Jabaliya claimed the lives of 45 people, including a two-month-old infant. In Deir al-Balah, at least 15 members of the Azaize family were killed, some beyond recognition. Hassan al-Batniji lost his entire family in one attack in Gaza City, while Asmahan al-Barbari’s home was bombed after her family returned, thinking it was safe.
Al-Shanti, al-Batnaji, and al-Barbari were among those treated at Al-Shifa Hospital, which has become a place where Gaza City residents seek solace, news, or even a few minutes of electricity. However, the hospital is struggling to treat everyone due to Israel’s intensified blockade, preventing essential supplies such as food, water, electricity, and medicine from reaching Gaza. The dire situation adds chaos to the panic already engulfing the region.
In a move adding to the chaos, overnight from Thursday to Friday, the Israeli army dropped leaflets over Gaza ordering Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza and Gaza City and move towards the south. However, many people couldn’t arrange transport, opted to stay home, or heeded Hamas’ call to ignore Israel’s demands, resulting in most of the population staying put.
Israel’s attacks on residential areas have overwhelmed hospitals, leaving injured people lying on the floor due to the lack of beds, surgical rooms, and intensive care units. With the situation worsening, discussions have centered around the idea of humanitarian corridors to allow Palestinians to leave Gaza. However, opening an overland crossing into Egypt was rejected, with Cairo agreeing only to allow humanitarian aid to pass through. Palestinian officials in Gaza argue that immediate action is needed to stop the bombardment and prevent further loss of life and suffering.
As the casualties continue to rise and families vanish from Palestine’s rich history and culture, people are struggling to come to terms with the meaning behind these disappearances. Gazans are left with hunger, lack of clean water, and the potential threat of infectious diseases while living under the constant fear of falling bombs and destruction.