PERSONAL: Palestinian mother laments reliving 'bitter' war memories

Palestinian mother of six Zainab Abu Samaan said an Israeli evacuation order on Friday (May 8) revived the "bitter" memories of war, as she had to flee her house in Gaza City's al-Shati camp in a hurry before a strike hit nearby.

When she and her family returned to their apartment on Saturday (May 9), Abu Samaan - who also goes by the name Umm (mother of) Mohammed - said she found more damage to her war-torn home.

The 43-year-old was displaced several times after the war in Gaza started in 2023, and said she had returned to rebuild her place after the fragile October 2025 ceasefire.

"We didn't want to relive that bitter reality that we have lived before," she added.

Friday's strike took place after Israel ordered residents to evacuate the area, Abu Samaan said.

Violence in Gaza has persisted despite an October 2025 ceasefire, with Israel conducting almost daily attacks.

At least 850 Palestinians have been killed since the ​ceasefire took ​effect, local medics say, while Israel says militants have killed four of its soldiers over ​the same period.

Israel and Hamas have blamed ​each other for ceasefire violations.

Production: Dawoud Abu Alkas, Fadi Shana, Mariam Rizk/Reuters