Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, the situation for residents has become increasingly dire. With limited access to food, drinking water, medicine, and clothing, Gaza residents are battling harsh winter conditions. The majority of those affected have sought refuge in Rafah, a city on the southern border with Egypt. The population of Rafah, which was previously around 280,000, has now skyrocketed to nearly 1.5 million refugees, according to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

Rafah was initially considered a sanctuary from the intense shelling and ground operations carried out by Israel after Hamas launched a brutal attack on October 7. However, this sense of safety has been shattered as the conflict escalates. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of approximately 100 people, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to indicate the possibility of a ground offensive.

Ceasefire negotiations have hit a roadblock, with discussions on a potential prisoner swap and a truce lacking progress. United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been facilitating these negotiations but failed to make headway. Netanyahu called back his delegates from a summit in Cairo, accusing Hamas of making unfounded demands to avoid reaching a deal. The relatives of the estimated 130 hostages still held by Hamas have expressed their anguish, fearing that the lack of progress in negotiations is tantamount to a "death sentence" for their loved ones.

These developments have further heightened the sense of hopelessness among Palestinians taking shelter in Rafah. The living conditions in this overcrowded city are dire, with people struggling to find food, fuel, and adequate shelter amidst the cold and miserable conditions. Aseel Mousa, a Palestinian freelance journalist who grew up in Gaza, has been documenting the stories of these displaced individuals.

Mousa's own family has been affected by the conflict. Fleeing their home outside of Gaza City, they sought refuge in the al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, only to face dire shortages of food, water, and essential supplies. Tragically, Mousa lost ten members of her family when their house was targeted by Israeli airstrikes. As the airstrikes intensified, Mousa's family was forced to flee even further south to Rafah.

With over a million Palestinians trapped in Rafah, a prevailing sense of despair looms over the city. The continuous bombardment by Israel already takes a heavy toll, but the absence of essential needs like food, water, and medical supplies exacerbates the difficult situation for the residents. Israeli officials claim that Rafah is Hamas's last stronghold in Gaza, justifying the need for a ground offensive to defeat Hamas and end the conflict.

While the United Nations warns that a ground invasion would result in "carnage," Netanyahu remains undeterred, dismissing concerns and emphasizing the importance of achieving victory. However, this looming threat has instilled fear among the displaced population in Rafah, who have nowhere else to seek refuge. A ground invasion, they believe, would be catastrophic.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Arab states insist that a two-state solution is vital for rebuilding Gaza and normalizing relations with Israel. However, residents like Mousa, living in Rafah, have more immediate concerns - survival. Devastated by the ongoing conflict, they are left with no choice but to endure day by day, constantly fearing for their lives.

In this desperate situation, the focus remains on how to escape the threat of violence, leaving little room for thoughts on what lies beyond. The need for immediate aid and support is paramount as the conflict continues to take its toll on the people of Gaza.