ISLAMABAD- Palestinian women, who had to leave their homes with theirchildren in fear of getting the target of Israeli attacks on thebesieged Gaza Strip, continue to pay heavy costs.

Hundreds of Palestinian families left their homes and took refuge inschools belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency forPalestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

At least 248 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s relentless assaulton the Gaza Strip link since May 10,including 66 children, 39 women, while 1,800 houses were destroyed and6,800 homes were partially damaged.

Nur Ali, a 33-year-old mother who took shelter in one of the UNRWA schoolsin the al-Nasr district of western Gaza, told Anadolu Agency said that evensome areas near to the center were targeted by Israeli strikes as they wokeup with explosion and glass shattering sounds.

Emphasizing that there was always a state of fear and panic in the asylumcenters during the attacks on the close areas, Ali said they tried to keepchildren away from doors and windows and comfort them in those times.

She said women “bear the heaviest burden in the war,” as they try to notpanic in front of the children and taking care of their fundamental needs.

Refugees cannot meet their basic needs

A mother of three kids, Rim al-Besyumi, 30, who stays with her children ina UNRWA school that was converted into an asylum center said that thecenters generally lack basic living needs for people.

“UNRWA schools cannot even provide basic needs rather than women’s needs,”Besyumi said, adding that women are living under “much more difficult”conditions in the centers.

Refif es-Misri, a senior year high school student, said that the centerslack necessary food, as well as proper places to get washed and sleep.

Misri also took shelter in a UNRWA school with her family following theIsraeli attacks. – Anadolu Agency