The ongoing conflict in Gaza has left over a million Palestinians displaced from their homes, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded makeshift shelters. In the border town of Rafah, amidst the chaos and devastation, five families have resorted to living in a chicken farm, converting its battery coops into makeshift living quarters.
The conflict, which erupted on October 7th following a Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. Israeli military assaults on Gaza have left local health authorities reporting staggering casualties, with over 27,800 Palestinians killed.
As more than 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have fled their homes, Rafah has become a focal point for displaced families. With limited options available, many have been forced to seek shelter wherever they can, leading to desperate living conditions.
For families like the Hanoons, moving into the chicken farm represents a stark descent into hardship. Umm Mahdi Hanoon, a member of one of the five families residing there, describes the dire conditions they face, living in spaces originally intended for animals. The cramped quarters, lack of proper insulation, and harsh weather exacerbate the suffering of residents, particularly children, the elderly, and the sick.
Mahdi Hanoon recounts their journey from Gaza City to Rafah, driven by the relentless shelling and destruction in their neighborhood. Initially viewing the chicken farm as a temporary refuge, they soon realized they would be forced to call it home for the foreseeable future. The adaptation of chicken coop frames into beds and makeshift cooking arrangements underscore the resilience of families amidst adversity.
Living in such deplorable conditions takes a toll on the physical and emotional well-being of residents. Mahdi Hanoon expresses the challenges of residing in a space not designed for human habitation, likening it to living in a cage.
The plight of families like the Hanoons highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid and intervention to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. As the conflict persists and displacement continues, providing adequate shelter and support for displaced Palestinians remains a critical imperative to alleviate their suffering and restore dignity amidst adversity.
