‘Unbearable’: Residents seeking shelter in overcrowded schools describe challenges

Hundreds of people in Gaza have crammed into overcrowded schools to seek shelter from Israeli bombing. 

Those who have been displaced after their homes were demolished in air strikes have fled to nearby schools.

In interviews with Al Jazeera Arabic, residents describe going five days without water and very little food shared between them.

“The children are starting to get sick, there’s no running water for people to drink or wash, it’s unbearable,” one resident said. 

“Even the girls, they don’t have access to toilets,” one woman commented, highlighting the specific needs of women. 

The schools also offer no privacy, as people continue to pile in and wait in the hallways and courtyards for the bombardment to stop, and to hear information about their loved ones. 

Displaced Palestinians have also raised concerns over the spread of disease in the schools as Israel cuts essential supplies, including food and water, to the besieged enclave. 

A UNRWA spokesperson said that supplies are expected to run out in 10 days or less. 

Palestinians have been stocking up on water to last them the coming days as Israel cuts off supplies.