Palestinians in Fear of Dispossession as Rafah Offensive Approaches | World News

Israeli forces massing on the outskirts of the southern Gaza city of Rafah have sparked fear among Palestinians of another “Nakba”, reminiscent of the 1948 exodus when 700,000 Palestinians were permanently displaced from their homes during the creation of Israel.

As over one million people seek shelter in Rafah amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, many have been displaced multiple times, with the anniversary of the Nakba approaching on May 15.

Mohammad Emad, who has moved four times since leaving Gaza City in October, expressed the brutality of their present situation compared to the events of 1948. He shared stories passed down from his father and grandfather, highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by Palestinians.

The uncertainty looms as borders remain closed and refuge becomes harder to find, with mediators failing to secure a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli military strikes have resulted in the death of 60 people and injuries to 110 others in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The United Nations, Gaza residents, and aid groups warn of a humanitarian catastrophe if further Israeli incursions into Rafah occur. Israel justifies its actions as necessary to defeat Hamas fighters in the area, but the city also serves as a refuge for displaced Palestinians.

The war, which erupted in October, has taken a toll on the population, with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine exacerbating the misery. Families like Um Zaki’s have been displaced multiple times, facing exorbitant prices for transportation and basic necessities.

As families like the Al-Kafarnas, including a newborn baby, flee Rafah with limited belongings, the desperation and helplessness felt by the innocent victims of the conflict are palpable. The cycle of displacement and suffering continues, with no clear end in sight.