Displacement in Gaza does not end with a ceasefire

Displaced Lives in Gaza 

Displacement in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels as the Gaza Strip continues to be devastated by prolonged conflict, relentless airstrikes, and a blockade that has severely restricted access to humanitarian aid. Since October 2023, over 1.9 million Palestinians, nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, have been forcibly displaced, with families living in overcrowded shelters and makeshift camps, struggling to access food, water, and medical care.  

Following a ceasefire that came into effect on January 19, 2025, many Gazans have begun returning to the northern parts of the Strip. But they are returning to cities reduced to rubble, with basic infrastructure destroyed and daily survival still uncertain. Despite the pause in fighting, the humanitarian crisis remains critical.

This short-form video series tells the story of displacement in Gaza through the eyes of three generations of women from the same family. Through three touching episodes, we follow Hanan, a resilient grandmother; Sahar, her determined daughter-in-law; and Deema, her granddaughter.

Hanna, the family's grandmother

"We are not safe, because every day I wake up to the sound of gunfire nearby. I hear the ships and the tanks firing every day, morning and night. The jets never leave the sky. Even if there is a ceasefire.I don’t feel safe, because they [Israeli forces] are close to us." - Hanan, the family’s grandmother.

In Beit Lahia, most residents lost everything. Israeli airstrikes reduced their homes to rubble. Hanan shares a tent
with three generations of her family: her daughter, granddaughters and great-granddaughter, among the ruins of their home in Beit Lahia. It’s been nearly a year and a half of living like this: gathering wood, water, and such things.

Sahar, the mother

"When the war started, we were displaced from one place to another, until we ended up here in this tent. We were displaced many times maybe 10 or 11 times. We kept moving. The last few months have been the hardest. They were extremely difficult, especially when we were in Sheikh Radwan [hospital],where we didn’t know anyone." 

In Beit Lahia, most residents lost everything. Israeli airstrikes reduced their homes to rubble. Sahar shares a tent with four generations of her family, among the ruins of their home in Beit Lahia.

Deema, the daughter 

"I was in the bathroom, and then we were bombed. I was so scared, especially when we were bombed at night. I couldn’t stop crying. I used to live in our home, in Al-Muaskar, Jabalia [North Gaza]. Now, I live in a tent, in the street." 

In Beit Lahia, most residents lost everything. Israeli airstrikes reduced their homes to rubble. Deema shares a tent with three generations of her family, among the ruins of their home in Beit Lahia.