Gaza: Home Is Just a Memory – Displacement & Loss
- A look at the experiences of Palestinian civilians facing evacuation orders and strikes in Gaza, even after the recent ceasefire.
- In October, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, concluding two years of war.
- On September 14, 2025, residents of Al-Jundi Tower, a high-rise building in Gaza, received a warning of an impending strike.
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The Twenty-minute warning: Life Disrupted in Gaza
Table of Contents
A look at the experiences of Palestinian civilians facing evacuation orders and strikes in Gaza, even after the recent ceasefire.
The Ceasefire and Continued Strikes
In October, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, concluding two years of war. however, in the weeks following the agreement, sporadic Israeli strikes have continued to claim lives. At least 15 Palestinians have been killed in these strikes since the ceasefire began, according to Al Jazeera.
On September 14, 2025, residents of Al-Jundi Tower, a high-rise building in Gaza, received a warning of an impending strike. The tower was home to hundreds of residents, and the warning forced a hurried evacuation. This event underscores the ongoing vulnerability of civilians even during periods of relative calm.
IDF Response and Claims
In written responses to The New Yorker, the Israel Defense forces (IDF) stated they act in accordance with international law, taking “all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians.” When questioned about the strike on Al-Jundi Tower, the IDF referred to a previously issued statement regarding a strike on a “high-rise tower in Gaza” on September 14th. The statement claimed the building was being used by Hamas for “intelligence gathering” purposes. The IDF statement did not specifically name Al-Jundi tower but described the target as a significant Hamas asset.
Varying Warning Times and the Experience of Evacuation
Accounts from those affected by the strikes vary considerably.Some residents of Gaza reported receiving a ninety-minute advance warning before their buildings were struck by the IDF, while others were given less than five minutes. Shamali, a resident of Al-Jundi Tower, and her neighbors had just twenty minutes to evacuate. This disparity in warning times raises questions about the consistency of procedures and the ability of civilians to adequately prepare for potential strikes.
The limited time available forces agonizing choices. What possessions can be salvaged? Where can a family safely go,knowing that other buildings may also be targeted? Shamali described the twenty minutes as feeling like “two seconds,” encapsulating the intense pressure and fear experienced by those facing imminent displacement.
The Loss of Home and Future Uncertainty
Shamali’s story exemplifies the tragedy endured by Palestinians and its lasting impact on their outlook. The loss of home is not merely a physical displacement; it’s the erasure of memories, routines, and a sense of security. The precariousness of the situation shapes their thinking about the future, even with the ceasefire in place.