Despite the declaration of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the suffering of displaced families in the south continues, under harsh humanitarian conditions and extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure.
In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, the story of Um Qusay captures the suffering of thousands of families displaced by the war. She was forcibly displaced from her home in the area of the Moza Roundabout after the Israeli occupying forces took control of the area and was forced to leave without being able to carry any of her personal belongings, under threat.
Um Qusay says sadly that after the ceasefire, she tried to return to her house to check on it, but found it completely destroyed, and the area is still dangerous and close to Israeli army positions, where civilians are prevented from moving freely, and she shoots at anyone who tries to get closer.
"My whole house was destroyed and I couldn't go back to take any of my things, not even to stay there. I hope that the equipment will come in to remove the rubble and that a tent will be set up in which we can live, especially as winter approaches."
Um Qusay continued by wishing that she will soon be able to own a house to shelter her and her family, and that the rubble will be removed from her area or even temporary tents and water delivery facilities will be erected in the complete absence of the necessities of life.
The humanitarian situation in Khan Younis, as in the southern Gaza Strip, remains tragic, with no safe drinking water and no basic necessities of life, while residents expect the current calm to pave the way for the start of relief and reconstruction efforts, perhaps restoring some hope to those who have lost everything.