North Gaza: "Losing my life is easier than being displaced because there is nowhere safe to go"

Statement | London, 15th October 9:00 BST

HI is deeply concerned by the recent airstrikes on camps for displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza, the most recent of which occurred on the grounds of Al-Aqsa Hospital on 13 October. The attack ignited a devastating fire that quickly engulfed the camp, and rescue teams are now urgently searching for survivors.

This attack comes amid a broader humanitarian crisis where civilians remain stranded in their homes, trapped by ongoing bombardment and fighting. More than 50,000 people have been displaced from the Jabalya area in the last two weeks, with most relocating to Gaza City instead of moving south as ordered. This is due to distrust in the safety of southern "humanitarian zones" that have already been targeted, overcrowding, and a lack of resources.

This forced movement, coupled with continuous bombardment, worsens the humanitarian crisis, leaving displaced families without access to food, water, shelter, and medical care. Critically, medical supplies, including burn ointment—essential for treating the pain and dryness of burns—are either unavailable or not being allowed to enter, as no aid has reached Gaza since 1 October.

“I feel so unsafe. The scariest and most difficult thing is displacement. The second hardest thing is not having any food or water. It has been two weeks since we received any aid. Losing my life is easier than being displaced because there is nowhere safe to go. When people are displaced, they don’t just lose their homes but also their dignity because it means the start of yet another misery. The constant bombing means we haven’t slept for days—every moment feels like it could be our last.” says Mohammad Atallah, Disaster Risk Management Officer, HI, North Gaza

HI urgently calls for all parties involved in the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure the unconditional release of hostages.

The war must end, and the protection of civilians and their dignity must be prioritised.