Gaza residents are facing heightened hardship amid the current Israel-Hamas conflict as they struggle for basic life necessities and have expressed outrage towards the Israeli forces for killing innocent civilians, with some saying the situation now is even more horrific than in the period following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Wednesday marks the anniversary of the start of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which resulted in the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians and is referred to as the "Nakba" or 'catastrophe'.

In Shujaiya, a neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, nearly all buildings have been destroyed by Israeli military operations, leaving a large number of residents homeless and with no choice but to seek refuge in temporary shelters.

The conditions in these shelters, many of which have been set up in schools, offer no access to basic living facilities or medical services, leaving many children unable to receive necessary medical attention when they fall ill.

Some even view the current crisis as being more severe than that of the war 76 years ago,

"Nowadays, the situation is even more difficult compared to that period after the 'Nakba' in 1948. We are experiencing displacement, hunger, blockade, destruction and a relentless enemy without any compassion. That's not a way to live," said Amjad Shallah, a displaced Gaza resident.

"Today, the catastrophe is different, with women and children being killed by the Israeli attacks. They not only target the armed personnel, but also the innocent civilians," said Musa Al-Bahtini, another displaced Gaza resident.

SHOTLIST:

Shujaiya, Gaza Strip - May 14, 2024
1. Various of destroyed buildings, residents
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Amjad Shallah, displaced Gaza resident (ending with shot 3):
"Nowadays, the situation is even more difficult compared to that period after the 'Nakba' in 1948. We are experiencing displacement, hunger, blockade, destruction and a relentless enemy without any compassion. That's not a way to live."
3. Various of temporary shelter
4. Various of displaced people at temporary shelter
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Musa Al-Bahtini, displaced Gaza resident:
"Today, the catastrophe is different, with women and children being killed by the Israeli attacks. They not only target the armed personnel, but also the innocent civilians."
6. Various of destroyed buildings, children walking
7. Various of people queuing to get food

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