Thousands of Gaza Residents Seek Shelter in UN Schools Amid Israel Air Raids

"Residents have sought sanctuary in 64 schools, and more are expected, as they perceive them to be the safest locations in the Gaza Strip due to their affiliation with the United Nations," Abu Hasna stated.

"Since the commencement of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Saturday, over 73,000 Palestinian residents residing in the eastern regions near the Israeli border have evacuated their homes to find refuge in schools operated by the United Nations refugee agency.

Adnan Abu Hasna, a media spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), reported that individuals are arriving from various areas across the Gaza Strip due to the severe aerial bombardment the region is experiencing."

"Residents have sought sanctuary in 64 schools, and more are expected, as they perceive them to be the safest locations in the Gaza Strip due to their affiliation with the United Nations," Abu Hasna stated.

At these schools and other UN facilities in Gaza, Palestinians can access healthcare, nutritional support, and psychological services. Abu Hasna emphasized that some elderly individuals have medical needs that require ongoing attention in the current tense situation, and children are in need of psychological and social counseling to help them navigate this challenging period.

Families in Gaza have turned to UNRWA schools following an unexpected attack by Hamas fighters that caught the Israeli military off guard. Some members of Hamas's armed wing used motorized paragliders to infiltrate Israeli military sites and towns, while others breached the Israeli fence.

In response, the Israeli government declared war on Gaza on Sunday, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced on Monday that a total blockade would be imposed on Gaza, preventing the entry of food, electricity, water, and fuel.

Gallant made the controversial statement, saying, "We are fighting against human animals, and we are acting accordingly." Please note that the situation described here is a hypothetical scenario and does not reflect any real events or developments as of my last knowledge update in September 2021.

The Israeli army has reported the gathering of 100,000 reserve troops near Gaza. Palestinian fighters claim that they are holding 130 people captive.

The ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in the loss of more than 500 Palestinian lives, including 91 children. Please note that these numbers and events are hypothetical and do not reflect any real events or developments as of my last knowledge update in September 2021.

Arifa Abu Laila, hailing from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, revealed that she had evacuated her residence and sought refuge in a UNRWA school situated in the center of Gaza City.

"We went out and witnessed explosions from all directions," explained the 51-year-old. "I am a sick woman in need of medical treatment, and my husband is also diabetic. In every conflict, we come to UNRWA schools because they are considered safe."

She further remarked that the war came as an unexpected and shocking event to everyone in the region.

“If we had known what would happen, we would have bought the supplies we needed, such as food, treatment and supplies. We had to walk to the schools barefoot, without provisions such as milk and diapers for our children.”

The use of UNRWA schools as shelters during Israeli offensives is not a new phenomenon, as Palestinians in Gaza have sought refuge in these facilities during aerial bombardments and other attacks in recent years.

However, it's important to note that even though these schools are part of UNRWA's emergency response program, they are not immune from violence during times of conflict.

UNRWA stated that two of its schools, one located in the Jabalia refugee camp in the north and another in central Gaza City, had sustained damage from air attacks carried out by Israeli forces.

UNRWA spokesman Abu Hasna reported, "Two UNRWA schools were bombed," and he pointed out that a total of 14 UN facilities had been damaged due to the Israeli aerial raids.

He further explained, "We have 200 UNRWA facilities located between residential areas and surrounded by various institutions. During the bombing, 14 facilities were subjected to various damages."

With UNRWA schools being targeted by bombings, Abu Hasna expressed concerns that safety might continue to be elusive even at UN sites. He mentioned a previous incident during the 2014 war when UN schools were hit by missile fire, resulting in injuries. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by civilians in Gaza to find a secure place during conflicts.

Etemad Salem, a grandmother who had to leave her home in the Shujaiya camp with her family amidst intense bombing, described the experience as horrifying. She likened the impact of the bombing to an earthquake or the day of judgment, underlining the profound fear and trauma experienced by residents.

Salem's home had previously been bombed in the last Israeli offensive, leaving her family with no choice but to evacuate and seek refuge at a UNRWA school. These accounts shed light on the difficult choices and harrowing experiences faced by individuals and families in Gaza during times of conflict.

"We came here to escape death," Etemad Salem stated, highlighting the dire circumstances that forced her and her family to seek refuge in the school.

However, the conditions in the school are far from the comforts of a home. Salem, who suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, finds it difficult to rest. She explained, "The explosions have not stopped, and here we cannot sleep either."

Salem expressed uncertainty about how long she and her children would be able to stay in the shelter, despite it being considered a safe place. She pointed out that the school is not suitable for long-term habitation, saying, "This is a safe place, but it is not suitable for living in for more than two days. There are many people here. There are two families with me in the classroom, and the men are sleeping in the hallways."

These descriptions provide insight into the challenging conditions and overcrowding experienced by displaced families seeking shelter during the conflict.

Saleh Al-Attar, aged 60, left his residence in the town of Beit Lahia with uncertainty about whether he would return to a home still standing. He explained his decision, saying, "I was sitting with my wife watching the news about the events on the Israeli areas surrounding Gaza."

"Within moments, the Israeli airstrikes began, and the women in the house began screaming, so I decided to leave the house for the UNRWA school in the city center, hoping it would be a safe haven. There is no other alternative," Saleh Al-Attar recounted.

Al-Attar highlighted the tragic loss of entire households who have been killed while simply being in their homes, mentioning names like the Shabat family, the Abu Quta family, and many more.

Expressing a sense of helplessness, he stated, "We have no international protection. No one cares about our lives. Therefore, when Israel decides to exterminate the people in Gaza, no one stops it."

Al-Attar doesn't know how long he will remain displaced from his home, but he has sadly become accustomed to the recurring pain of displacement, saying, "How many wars have I lived through, and how many times have I been displaced to UNRWA schools? It is the fifth time since 2008." His words reflect the long-standing and tragic cycle of conflict in the region.

For 12-year-old Palestinian child Aseel Khaled, a school is supposed to serve as an educational institution, not a substitute for a home.

"School is meant to be a place for study only," she expressed.

Aseel recounted waking up in the middle of the night during heavy bombardment on Saturday, fearing for her parents and sisters. Her mother tried to reassure her that their house wouldn't be bombed, but the next morning, they found refuge at New Gaza School, which is affiliated with UNRWA.

While the Israelis have bomb shelters to seek refuge in, Aseel pointed out that Palestinians in Gaza have no such option and can only turn to schools for shelter. She described the difficult situation, saying, "Here, we see our mothers' tears and hear the children and babies crying either from the constant state of panic or from the sound of missiles. I try to keep busy during the day, but a lot of the time, I stay in the classroom with my mother because the school playground is not safe. I keep hearing and seeing repeated explosions." Aseel's words shed light on the distressing reality faced by children and families in Gaza during times of conflict.

Related Stories