Gaza Families Flee War and Hunger in a Cycle of Displacement
Two families' stories reveal the grim reality faced by 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza.
GAZA/CAIRO - The Bakrons and Al-Bareems, two families from opposite ends of Gaza, have navigated the rubble-strewn territory amidst 21 months of war, seeking refuge from Israeli attacks and basic necessities like food and shelter.
Both families' experiences encapsulate the hardships faced by 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza, according to the United Nations.
The Israeli military's evacuation orders have displaced much of the population, squeezing them into two strips of land where resources are scarce.
The Bakrons from southern Gaza have a disabled child, while the Al-Bareems from the north stopped wandering after losing two children in an airstrike.
Nizar Bakron recounted his family's journey, marked by loss and desperation.
Initially leaving their home for Amal’s mother's house following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israeli border communities, they faced multiple displacement orders as Israel launched a ground invasion.
The family crammed into small spaces, from apartments to classrooms, watching their savings dwindle.
Their situation worsened when the ceasefire collapsed in March, resulting in more loss of life and hope for Nizar's sister’s family, leading them back to Gaza City where they eventually lost everything in an airstrike.
The Bakrons now find themselves mourning their losses and struggling with the aftermath in a devastated environment.
Similarly, Majed Al-Bareem shared his own tale of displacement from Khan Younis to Rafah and beyond, illustrating the constant threat posed by Israeli operations.
Despite Israel's claims about protecting civilians, Palestinians accuse them of uprooting the population.
The Bareems currently reside in a tent in Mawasi, one of many displacement camps growing as people flee the violence.
Both families have faced immense difficulties, including food scarcity and constant danger, with their experiences mirroring that of countless others in Gaza.
The world watches as this man-made crisis unfolds, with access to basic necessities severely limited by both Israeli restrictions on aid and ongoing conflict.
Both families' experiences encapsulate the hardships faced by 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza, according to the United Nations.
The Israeli military's evacuation orders have displaced much of the population, squeezing them into two strips of land where resources are scarce.
The Bakrons from southern Gaza have a disabled child, while the Al-Bareems from the north stopped wandering after losing two children in an airstrike.
Nizar Bakron recounted his family's journey, marked by loss and desperation.
Initially leaving their home for Amal’s mother's house following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israeli border communities, they faced multiple displacement orders as Israel launched a ground invasion.
The family crammed into small spaces, from apartments to classrooms, watching their savings dwindle.
Their situation worsened when the ceasefire collapsed in March, resulting in more loss of life and hope for Nizar's sister’s family, leading them back to Gaza City where they eventually lost everything in an airstrike.
The Bakrons now find themselves mourning their losses and struggling with the aftermath in a devastated environment.
Similarly, Majed Al-Bareem shared his own tale of displacement from Khan Younis to Rafah and beyond, illustrating the constant threat posed by Israeli operations.
Despite Israel's claims about protecting civilians, Palestinians accuse them of uprooting the population.
The Bareems currently reside in a tent in Mawasi, one of many displacement camps growing as people flee the violence.
Both families have faced immense difficulties, including food scarcity and constant danger, with their experiences mirroring that of countless others in Gaza.
The world watches as this man-made crisis unfolds, with access to basic necessities severely limited by both Israeli restrictions on aid and ongoing conflict.
