Nowhere in Gaza is safe as Israeli strikes intensify: Where can we seek refuge?

Residents of a luxury apartment block in Rimal, Gaza City, expressed their frustration and sarcasm as they asked about the existence of a safe place in their neighborhood. This came after enduring a night of terrifying Israeli air strikes in retaliation for a Palestinian group's attack on southern Israel. The strikes caused extensive damage to residential buildings, telecommunications offices, and the Islamic University of Gaza. The area was in ruins, and residents were left feeling homeless and without work. The Israeli military claimed not to target civilians, but residents accused them of lying. The Palestinian health ministry reported that around 300 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the attacks. The already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza was further exacerbated, with the population running out of food, fuel, electricity, and water. The assault also resulted in the deaths of 1,000 Israeli civilians and the hostage-taking of 100-150 individuals who were taken across the border into Gaza. The situation has left Gazans struggling to find basic provisions and fearing that the fighting will continue for a prolonged period. In addition, the severe fuel shortage has made transporting fresh produce increasingly challenging. Despite the desperate situation, there have been no deliveries of goods from Egypt, and people have been unable to flee via the Rafah border crossing. This has forced many to seek shelter in UN-run schools, while others have sought refuge in basements, risking being trapped if the building above collapses. The residents of Rimal, who used to consider their neighborhood a safe haven, now realize that nowhere is safe anymore.