The Skeik building, located off Omar al-Mukhtar Street in Gaza City, was once a vibrant symbol of life, known for its tree-lined streets popular among young couples. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of war, engulfed in rubble, bullet holes, and a transient community seeking refuge. Families have taken shelter here, fleeing from the chaos outside. This article follows the stories of three families who currently reside in the Skeik building—Hadeel Daban, Muna Shabet, and Shawkat al-Ansari—as they navigate the harsh realities of life amid conflict.

Hadeel, a mother of three, describes how she moved into the building with her family to escape danger, packing their lives into piles while hiding from shrapnel. Muna, now homeless after a bombing destroyed her neighborhood, faces the struggle of starting anew with her grandchildren amidst fears of gunfire. Shawkat laments the loss of his brother and the inevitable separation of families, darkening their hopes for the future.

As these families recount their experiences, they illuminate the emotional toll of displacement amid ongoing violence, which has left them in a constant cycle of moving and searching for safety. Through their narratives, we witness the enduring human spirit and the desire for peace in a landscape marred by destruction.