Gaza City: Female civilians have recounted their harrowing experiences of survival following forced displacement from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. Under the intense pressures of bombardment, genocide, starvation, and siege, thousands of civilians were compelled to flee after the occupying army stormed the last remaining shelters. As they left Beit Lahia through a checkpoint, young men and those over 18 were detained for investigation, while women and children continued their journey, walking over 10 kilometers to Gaza City.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, residents of the northern Gaza Strip endured two months of relentless bombardment, killings, and starvation. Despite initially resisting orders to evacuate, the escalating horrors compelled thousands to leave. In the span of 60 days, more than 3,700 individuals were reported killed or missing, over 10,000 were injured, and about 1,750 were arrested.
Amna Hussein, who fled to Gaza City with her four children, shared her
ordeal, stating, “We were forced to leave, leaving our men behind under investigation by the Israeli army.” She described how the tanks surrounded their shelters, increasing the shelling until they had no choice but to flee. The last refuge for many, the Abu Tamam Schools Complex, became a site of further displacement when the occupation army advanced at night, compelling evacuation by dawn.
Eyewitnesses reported to WAFA that the army used loudspeakers on drones to demand immediate evacuation of the schools, instilling panic among the displaced. The Israeli army’s invasion on October 5 aimed to occupy the northern Gaza Strip, exacerbating a tight siege that restricted access to essentials like food, water, and medicine.
Iman Al-Masry, a young woman displaced to Gaza City, recounted the detention of her father and brothers, expressing deep concern for their unknown fate. She described the intimidation faced during their journey, noting how soldiers fired into the air and detained women and children for hours
.
The Al-Basyouni family, having endured hunger and thirst for 60 days, was ultimately forced to flee following the arrest of the father and sons. Nagham Al-Basyouni described the severe conditions during the siege, highlighting their determination to remain until the intensified targeting and violence became unbearable.
Nagham called upon the international community to intervene against the Israeli army’s actions, urging a halt to the ongoing violence and crimes against Palestinians.
