Date: 16 October 2023 

“I am Hussein Hammad, a researcher at Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. I live in the Tal al-Zatar area in Jabaliya, North Gaza District—around 4 kilometers from the perimeter fence with Israel. Like the rest of Palestinians in Gaza, my family and I have been without electricity and water since the third day of the Israeli offensive.

Our neighborhood witnessed intense artillery and aerial attacks by the Israeli military, resulting in the destruction of many homes and displacing of many families. Our house was severely damaged too. [Pictures above.]

Two days ago, Israel ordered Al-Awda Hospital, close to my house, to evacuate, but they chose to remain. Since most shelter centers are full, Al-Awda Hospital has now become a shelter for dozens of Tal al-Zatar residents who evacuated their homes. 

Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and eastern Jabaliya residents sought refuge in UNRWA facilities in Jabaliya, which are now very overcrowded and have no available space. The humanitarian crisis is catastrophic. People queue every day in lines to take one or two liters of water per family, and there are queues of at least 10 meters in the bakeries.”

Despite the severe damages, Hussein did not leave his home in Tal al-Zatar following Israel’s ‘evacuation order’. He said that he prefers to die in his home in dignity. The order to evacuate does not absolve Israel from its obligations and responsibilities under IHL, and Israel continues to bear obligations to protect civilians and civilian objects from indiscriminate attacks.

Al Mezan holds Israel responsible for abiding by international law in regard to the protection of our colleague, Hussein, and his family, who continue to be protected from indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks.