As Israeli forces continued their operations in the eastern part of Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, on Wednesday, the local residents find their lives becoming increasingly difficult, entrenched in a harrowing reality of despair and uncertainty.
Since the beginning of the assault overnight on Monday, Israel has stated that it has taken control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, which has served as a passage for humanitarian aid from Egypt to the war-torn Gaza Strip, rendering it out of service.
Israeli forces attacked Rafah city from both the ground and air, the military stated, while residents reported heavy and relentless bombardments, leading to tens of thousands of residents being displaced.
"Where am I supposed to go? We have been pushed to the border of Egypt now. Now, the Israeli army wants us to leave Rafah. Where shall we go after leaving Rafah? Should we jump into the sea? Personally, I don't want to leave Rafah, but I'm worried about my children. I'm not afraid of death, but my children haven't done anything wrong," said Muhammad Cardi, a displaced person.
"I rode to the Rafah crossing, but found out that the Israeli army had controlled it, so I quickly came back. I got injured that day and was in pain for the whole day. I don't know what I should do first, treating my arm or evacuating my family to other places, and I am facing various other difficulties such as eating and drinking. We are living in a huge tragedy, and the entire world can't find a solution to it," said Muhammad Alcala, another displaced person.
Rafah residents' lives getting more difficult amid Israeli offensive
Rafah residents' lives getting more difficult amid Israeli offensive
