Finding Refuge: Community Resilience in Gaza’s Crisis

A Shelter Amidst the Chaos

In October, as the relentless war compelled Nasser al-Zaanin to abandon his home in northern Gaza, he sought refuge in a local school that had been repurposed as a shelter. Accompanied by his adult sons and grandchildren, he found temporary sanctuary at the Abdul Kareem al-Aklouk school in Deir al Balah. Here, he took the initiative to establish a network of committees dedicated to enhancing the living conditions for the families who had also sought refuge.

These committees were responsible for addressing essential needs such as food, water, and medical care. They operated under a crucial guideline: no armed individuals were permitted within the compound. This decision stemmed from the residents’ desire to avoid becoming targets for Israeli forces, who were actively pursuing Hamas militants amidst the ongoing conflict. The fear of becoming collateral damage was palpable, especially given that, in recent weeks, Israel had launched attacks on several school buildings converted into shelters, claiming that militants were utilizing these locations as bases.

Mr. Zaanin recounted how, early in the conflict, Hamas had expressed interest in deploying police officers at the shelter to maintain order. While they offered assurances of security, the residents collectively opposed the idea. “All the families agreed,” stated Mr. Zaanin, a 56-year-old former civil servant for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. “Our primary objective is the safety of all families, particularly women and children. We cannot risk any potential threats to our safety due to the presence of police or members of the Hamas government.”

He emphasized that while the police could monitor the situation from outside the building, their presence inside was strictly off-limits, underscoring the community’s commitment to safeguarding their vulnerable environment amidst the chaos.