Civilians

Massacres against civilians are considered a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits targeting civilians or endangering their lives and safety during armed conflicts. International agreements, including the 1977 Additional Protocol I, require states and combatants to distinguish between military objectives and civilians, criminalizing any deliberate attack or assault on civilians. Article 27 of the Geneva Convention mandates that civilians must be protected at all times from acts of violence, and their lives, physical, or mental integrity must not be violated, including through violence, assault, murder, or torture.

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Abu Hatab Family Home Targeting

On January 1, 2024, Israeli occupation aircraft bombed the home of Abu Hatab family near Bilal Mosque in western Khan Younis. The attack resulted in six injuries, including children, and the recovery of a martyr from the scene, who was transported to Nasser Medical Hospital.

Shrapnel scattered over a shelter center – Al-Nuseirat

On January 1, 2024, Israeli occupation aircraft targeted an area near a shelter center, resulting in injuries among displaced persons due to shrapnel from the bombardment at Al-Nuseirat camp. The attack exacerbated the suffering of those seeking refuge and highlighted the dangers they face even in designated safe zones.

Transporting Martyrs on Animal-Drawn Carts

Due to a lack of resources and the unavailability of trucks and vehicles as a result of fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip, coupled with the high number of martyrs, the bodies of those killed in the Israeli bombardments are being transported on animal-drawn carts. This tragic reality highlights the dire humanitarian situation and the overwhelming impact of the ongoing conflict.

Overcrowding of Shelters with Displaced Persons

The suffering of displaced individuals inside shelters is ongoing, particularly during winter with its cold and rain, coupled with the lack of privacy due to the conditions of the Israeli war on Gaza Strip. This conflict has caused unprecedented devastation, pushing the region decades backward.

Every available space in these centers is occupied by displaced families, to the extent that even the courtyards—originally schools and other service facilities run by UNRWA—have been filled with tents after classrooms reached full capacity.

Palestine School of UNRWA – Northern Gaza Strip

One of the shelter centers accommodating displaced persons in northern Gaza was stormed by occupation forces. They launched smoke bombs and artillery shells at the location, forcibly removing people to other areas. Some individuals were taken by the soldiers to unknown places, further exacerbating the plight of those seeking refuge.

Shelter School Massacre – Gaza

On November 2, 2023, Israeli occupation aircraft bombed a UNRWA school serving as a shelter for displaced civilians in Al-Nasr neighborhood of Gaza City. This attack resulted in dozens of martyrs and injuries among those seeking refuge within the school.

Complete Destruction of a Residential Block – Rafah

On March 18, 2024, Israeli occupation aircraft bombed an entire residential block in Al-Shaboura camp in the center of Rafah, resulting in the martyrdom of several individuals and injuring dozens more. The wounded were transported to Al-Kuwaiti Hospital for medical treatment.

Citizens’ Displacement from Khan Younis Amidst Gunfire from Occupation Forces

Struggles with Cooking Gas Shortage

Due to the shortage of cooking gas, citizens have resorted -over the past several months- to alternative and primitive methods of cooking, using firewood and charcoal. This has led to numerous individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses caused by the burning of plastic and chemical materials to ignite the fires, which release toxic gases into the air.