Under a blazing sun and swirling dust, thousands of Palestinians loaded cars and trucks along al-Rashid Street—the northern lifeline out of Gaza City—as Israeli troops pressed their advance. Rows of vehicles, stuffed with furniture, mattresses and hastily packed belongings, stretched for kilometers, turning the dusty road into a river of people in motion.
Families like that of 35-year-old Omar al-Musafir joined the exodus. After weeks of tension and intermittent shelling, Omar decided the risk of staying was too high. "We had to choose between hope and survival," he told CGTN correspondent Nadra al-Tibi. With his wife and three children crammed in the backseat, he headed toward Deir al-Balah, seeking its relative calm.
The mass movement presents a logistical and humanitarian challenge: water, food and medical supplies are already stretched thin. Aid organizations warn that the sudden influx into southern Gaza could overwhelm local clinics and shelters. Yet volunteers and community groups have mobilized, turning mosques and schools into temporary relief centers.
As the crisis unfolds, displaced Gazans face an uncertain future. While some cling to the hope of returning home soon, others worry this journey marks a turning point in their lives. Amid the chaos, their resilience and solidarity shine through—reminding us that even in the darkest hours, human stories of compassion and endurance can illuminate the path forward.
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Thousands of Palestinians flee Gaza City as Israeli troops advance
cgtn.com
