War crimes report: Rafah expecting the worst from IOF

 

More than six months into the Israel-Hamas war, 11-year-old Husam fears people will start killing each other for food. Husam is one of over 600,000 children trapped in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza bordering Egypt.

The city was theoretically meant to be a refuge from intense Israeli shelling, but since March this year, the Israeli government has threatened to extend a military invasion there, too, casting a shadow of fear that has been building for months. “The person’s psyche wears out with fear; it’s a slow death,” says Husam as he reflects on the impact of what lies ahead. Meanwhile, nine-year-old Nawja reveals that war has taught her to recognise the distinct sounds of different aircraft and the concept of safe passages.

As Israel continues signalling that it plans to launch a ground offensive into Rafah, Close Up follows Husam and Nawja as they dare to dream of a future free of conflict. Watch No Refuge for Rafah’s Children for a poignant portrayal of life in Gaza’s last “safe zone” as Israel’s ground assault looms.