Gaza Residents
In spite of the 24-hour notice provided by Israel before initiating a full-scale assault, many Gaza residents remained resolute in their decision to stay in their homes, even though some had chosen to evacuate. As Friday afternoon approached, there was minimal evidence of a widespread departure, despite the United Nations’ warning that the region was rapidly deteriorating.
‘Death is better than leaving,’ said Mohammad, 20, standing in the street outside a building reduced to rubble in an Israeli air strike two days ago near the centre of Gaza.
‘I was born here, and I will die here, leaving is a stigma.
With electricity supplies severed and essential resources like food and water in short supply in the Palestinian enclave following a week of retaliatory air strikes and a complete Israeli blockade, the United Nations declared an insurmountable predicament for Gaza’s civilians.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire for Gaza’s civilian population.
How can 1.1 million people be expected to navigate a densely populated warzone within less than 24 hours?” U.N. humanitarian aid chief Martin Griffiths posted on social media.
Hamas, responsible for the loss of Israeli civilian lives in Saturday’s attacks, remained steadfast in their commitment to fight until the very end and instructed residents to remain in place, counter to Israel’s advice to evacuate in order to avoid the impending assault, citing concerns that Hamas was using them as human shields.