Israeli military plans for a takeover in Gaza City have resulted in chaos as at least 36 Palestinians are reported killed. Nearly one million residents are facing further displacement amid fears of an impending military operation. Ahmed Hirz and others expressed defiance, stating they would rather die in Gaza City than relocate. The sentiment of resistance is echoed by Rajab Khader, who refuses to move to southern Gaza, describing it as dangerous. Many residents are in panic, packing belongings without knowing their future, fearing ethnic cleansing by Israel.
"I swear to God that I have faced death like 100 times, so for me, it's better to die here," said Ahmed Hirz, who has been displaced along with his family at least eight times since Israel's war began. "I will never leave here," he told Al Jazeera. "We have gone through suffering and starvation and torture and miserable conditions, and our final decision is to die here."
Rajab Khader said he would refuse to move to southern Gaza, to stay in the streets with dogs and other animals. "We must stay in Gaza [City] with our families and loved ones. The Israelis will find nothing except our bodies and our souls," he said.
Maghzouza Saada, who was previously displaced from northeastern Beit Hanoon, expressed her outrage over being forced to move again, when nowhere in the Strip could be considered safe. "The south is not safe. Gaza City is not safe, the north is not safe. Where should we go?" she asked.
Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud said residents had been in a state of panic since the early hours of Friday over Israel's plans to ethnically cleanse the area. He said that some had started to pack up whatever is left of their belongings. Not because they know where they are going, but because they don't want to be.
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