Escaping the Impossible: Palestinian-Americans in Gaza Forced to Make Heartbreaking Decisions
Caught in the relentless Israeli bombardment, Palestinian-American Jason Shawa seeks solace by lighting a cigarette at his window As he listens to the chaotic cries and shouts from the street below, he realizes the agonizing predicament faced by his family and fellow Gazans
Jason Shawa, a Palestinian-American residing in his home south of Gaza City, found himself unable to sleep due to continuous Israeli bombardment. Seeking solace, he decided to light a cigarette by the window. Suddenly, he was startled by the sound of shouting and panicked cries emanating from the street below.
Across from him, residents were hastily evacuating a 10-story building, carrying essential items such as mattresses, pillows, and suitcases. Trusting his instincts and aware of the imminent airstrike, Jason immediately woke his two young daughters, Zeinab (9) and Malak (6), who were sleeping in the basement, converted into a makeshift bomb shelter.
Shawa and his wife swiftly took hold of the "emergency bag," a typical possession in Gazan households. It held crucial papers like passports and IDs, alongside cherished old photographs that hadn't been digitized. Hurriedly, the family evacuated from their residence, their daughters even barefoot, seeking refuge at a vacant hotel close by, staying there until daybreak.
Upon their return, the structure opposite their house lay in ruins, reduced to a mound of debris. Having witnessed multiple Israeli attacks in the past, Shawa confidently informed CNN that they had anticipated its destruction.
A family photo of Jason Shawa with his daughters Zainab and Malak, and wife Najla.
Following a devastating terrorist attack and subsequent rocket strikes that claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis and resulted in approximately 200 individuals being held captive, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has instructed the northern residents of Gaza, a densely populated area, to evacuate. As a result, large numbers of Palestinians are making their way south through the war-torn streets of Gaza.
TOPSHOT -
Smoke emerges following an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, on October 16, 2023. The Gaza health ministry stated on October 16 that the death toll resulting from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has reached approximately 2,750, following Hamas's recent deadly attack on southern Israel. Additionally, the Hamas-controlled ministry reported that around 9,700 individuals have sustained injuries as Israel persists with its intense aerial campaign targeting various sites in the Palestinian coastal enclave. (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images
They followed evacuation orders. An Israeli airstrike killed them the next day.
Shawa, a Palestinian-American born in Seattle to an American mother and Palestinian father, is among the estimated 500-600 Palestinian-Americans residing in Gaza. Despite being informed by the US embassy that the only available route out of the Gaza Strip is through the southern Rafah crossing into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, this passage remains closed due to Egyptian restrictions.
If the crossing eventually opens, Palestinian-Americans like Shawa will still face a difficult decision. As the sole member of his family possessing a US passport, he can apply for visas for his immediate family. However, he will have no choice but to leave his extended loved ones behind, a decision he considers unimaginable, as he shared with CNN.
Currently, his concern revolves around the potential chaos that could occur at the crossing, and he is struggling with the idea of subjecting his children to more danger. Additionally, leaving behind family and friends whom he has known for many years adds to his worries.
"Here, in our current location, we are confined within the boundaries of four walls, a small garden, and a small house. We have enough mattresses and blankets to stay comfortable, although obtaining water and food has been challenging," Shawa informed CNN. "Nevertheless, despite our confinement, we are relatively secure."
The wait for information on how and when their loved ones in Gaza will be able to leave is growing increasingly desperate for those in the United States. Abdulla Okal, 34, is monitoring the unfolding situation from his family's residence in New Jersey. He shared with CNN that his wife Haneen and their three young children, who are all US citizens and aged 8, 2, and 2 months, are currently trapped in Gaza. Haneen is attempting to depart with her daughters, but this means leaving her parents and most of her siblings behind.
American Medical researcher Nabil Alshurafa informed CNN that his mother, Naela Elshorafa, aged 66, had originally intended to spend only 10 days in Gaza to visit her ailing mother, but unfortunately, she finds herself unable to leave.
Nabil Alshurafa with his mother Naela Elshorafa.
Courtesy Nabil Alshurafa
Alshurafa expressed his fear and current state of distress as he acknowledged his inability to communicate with her. He mentioned having spoken to her approximately 12 hours ago, but for the past 9 hours, he has been unsuccessful in reaching her.
Elshorafa, an American-Palestinian, fled Kuwait alongside her family during the Gulf War in 1990. Currently residing in Camarillo, California, she faces the difficult choice of leaving Gaza, knowing that her siblings and mother would be left behind.
Trapped with no way out
Alshurafa expressed that regardless of one's decision, they face negative consequences. In this case, the woman desires to depart in order to reunite with her daughter and ensure their survival. However, she remains uncertain about the future of her family and the consequences they may face. These circumstances create an unmanageable and extremely challenging predicament.Shawa is currently unable to leave Gaza, even if he chooses to do so. Palestinian-Americans who are visiting or residing in the area have informed CNN that they are making desperate efforts to find ways to exit the region. However, they have been met with minimal or no assistance from officials at the US Embassy.
US officials have been in talks for several days in an effort to establish a humanitarian pathway that would enable Americans and other civilians to leave Gaza safely before an anticipated Israeli military operation. Egypt, however, has thus far refused to open the Rafah crossing.
A number of Palestinian-Americans have recently received initial instructions suggesting that their Gaza-based relatives may have the opportunity to evacuate on Saturday afternoon, as revealed in emails provided to CNN. Nevertheless, American citizens residing in Gaza who spoke with CNN have encountered difficulties in entering Egypt, with the Rafah crossing remaining closed despite assurances from US officials that it would be reopened.
The US State Department has advised US citizens that the situation at the Rafah crossing is expected to be unpredictable and subject to change. In the event that individuals deem it safe, they may consider moving closer to the border crossing as it may open with little notice and for a limited duration.
Moreover, the Palestinian Ministry of Interior reported that at least 28 individuals were killed in Rafah due to Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday morning. In response to the Rafah bombing, the IDF stated during a briefing on Tuesday that they will act upon locating Hamas targets.
In
, the Palestinian interior ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike on a multi-story house in Rafah resulted in the tragic loss of five lives and injuries to about 15 people on Monday.
Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 14 in Gaza City.
Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images
Shawa mentioned that the US embassy sends standard security warnings and instructions, and he has come across statements from the US Department of State. These statements discuss the opening of the border crossing with Egypt. However, it is important to note that these statements clarify that the information regarding this opening is obtained from media sources, rather than official sources.
On Monday, the US embassy in Jerusalem released a security alert stating that, according to media reports, the Rafah crossing would open at 9 a.m. local time.
One family informed CNN that they arrived at Rafah at the specified opening time, but the crossing remains shut. Lena Beseiso, 57, from Salt Lake City stated, "I cannot endure another day with this torment and deceitful anticipation."
Ibrahim Dahman, with his wife Rasha and two sons, 11-year-old Zaid and 7-year-old Khalil.
Ibrahim Dahman/CNN
'No safe area': CNN journalist details his family's desperate flight south from Gaza City
Beseiso, who hadn't visited Gaza in 12 years, recently made a trip there in late March to meet her husband, daughters, niece, and grandson. However, she expressed her frustration at the limited assistance offered by the US government, despite her repeated attempts to seek help by calling the emergency lines at the US embassy.
In a message to CNN on Friday morning, Beseiso revealed that she eventually managed to reach the embassy by phone. They informed her that they had all the necessary information for American citizens who had filled out the online form, and advised her to wait for someone to contact them. She was also instructed to go to the Rafah crossing with her family, where they would be allowed to pass through.
Haneen Okal's husband, Abdulla, informed CNN that she spent the entire day on Monday at the border crossing but had to return home when it didn't open. In the meantime, CNN has contacted the US embassy in Jerusalem to inquire about the consular assistance being provided.
According to a statement on the website of the US State Department, the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Hamas has made it difficult to determine suitable departure options for US citizens. Efforts are being made to develop potential options for US citizens to leave Gaza. The State Department has consistently advised against traveling to Gaza due to the presence of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.
A deteriorating nightmare
Shawa and his family have relocated to their second residence, which is a cozy two-bedroom apartment. In response to distressing pleas from anxious friends and neighbors, Shawa has extended his hospitality to over 50 individuals, comprising around 20 youngsters as well as several elderly individuals.
"She has some form of dementia or Alzheimer's, although we are uncertain," Shawa informed. "In Gaza, these conditions are not easily diagnosed, so you can imagine how unsettling it is for her. She wakes up in the middle of the night to find 20 or 30 people sleeping on the floor beside her."
They possess limited essential resources, like medication and dried food, but were unable to bring water due to its weight. Consequently, they purchased 500 liters of water to distribute among all the families. They have only five beds and five mattresses, which means some adults have to sleep in the cars parked outside during the night.
Shawa's daughter Zainab turned nine years old on Sunday. In a spontaneous effort, the families stumbled upon a prepackaged donut from their possessions to serve as a makeshift cake, complete with a candle wedged in its center.
Jason Shawa's daughter, Zainab, celebrating her ninth birthday in Gaza on Sunday.
Courtesy Jason Shawa
"We sang the birthday song, and it was truly an incredible experience," he informed CNN.
During their previous conversation, Alshurafa's mother expressed concerns about the scarcity of food and water supplies, as well as her diminishing stock of heart medication.
Despite the difficult circumstances confronting Palestinian-Americans, they at least possess a glimmer of hope for potential departure from Gaza in the near future - an unlikely possibility for those lacking alternative passports.
"As a US citizen, I have a voice," Alshurafa expressed. "I am fortunate in the sense that we still hold onto hope and have a chance of the border opening up for us. However, the remaining 2.3 million individuals have no options. No borders are accessible to them."
CNNs Yahya Abou-Ghazala contributed to this report.
