In the north of Gaza, two roads connect the city of Jabalia to the Jabalia refugee camp. As-Sikka Street, once a railway route that linked Gaza to various countries, runs parallel to the smaller Assalia Street, named after the Assalia family residing in the area.
Recent Israeli attacks in Jabalia left 26 Assalia family members dead and six houses destroyed. Ibrahim Assalia, a UK-based media lecturer, recounts the horror of hearing the shelling over the phone with his family. After the attacks, surviving relatives are now fleeing, facing uncertainty and danger once again.
Generations killed, memories destroyed
Many victims were close cousins of Assalia, disrupting his annual visits and childhood memories. With the British government, he is advocating for a Gaza family scheme to evacuate affected families to the UK.
Assalia’s own experience of escaping Gaza during the conflict highlights the perilous journey they face. After surviving multiple attacks and a failed escape attempt, his family’s fate remains uncertain.