Yesterday [4 December] the residents of Beit Lahia were forced to evacuate due to the intensified airstrikes and ground operations. The northern part of Beit Lahia was heavily affected, with the entire neighborhood declared unsafe, and they [Israeli forces] forced the families to flee.

Thousands of people have been forcibly displaced from Beit Lahia.
Since 6 October 2024, the governorate of North Gaza has been under relentless attack and evacuation orders by Israeli forces, resulting in hundreds killed and massive displacements.

In most cases, families tried to stay together during the displacement, but chaos and urgency led to separations, especially from large families or those with mobility issues. On my way back home yesterday, I saw thousands of people on Al Wahda Street in Gaza City.

The journey from Beit Lahia to Gaza City is approximately 8 to 10 kilometres, which takes around two hours on foot under difficult conditions, with no cars on the street, with no fuel.

Physically, many were exhausted, dehydrated and some had injuries from the journey or earlier violence. Psychologically, they showed signs of acute distress, anxiety and the trauma from the sudden unbelievable evacuation. Mainly children were particularly affected, displaying fear and confusion.

Most displaced families have sought refuge in overcrowded schools, abandoned buildings, or with relatives. And others remain in open spaces, struggling to secure even basic shelter.

It's really sad to see all those people with the dust on their face, on their clothes. It's really horrible. It's really... What can I say in this situation?

I'm really speechless on this.