Jabalia Refugee Camp, located on just 1.5 square kilometres in northern Gaza, is often referred to as "The Camp of Resilience and Defiance." Its residents embody a spirit of steadfastness, grounded in decades of resistance and a commitment to their just cause. Established during the 1948 Nakba, when Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their lands, the camp became home to families expelled from neighbouring villages, evolving into a symbol of Palestinian struggle.

The camp holds historical significance as the birthplace of the First Intifada in 1987, sparked by the killing of Palestinian workers by Israeli forces. Slogans such as “The path to return is paved through resistance” became rallying cries, shaping the identity of the camp’s younger generations and reinforcing its role as a vanguard of the Palestinian liberation movement.

Jabalia’s residents have long faced adversity with resilience. Seventy-five-year-old Abu Daniel Abu Tubaykh, a lifelong resident, describes this enduring spirit: “We live in this camp, rebuild it with our hands, and thrive despite attempts to erase us.” For its people, Jabalia is more than a home—it is a testament to survival and defiance against decades of occupation.

Since 5 October 2023, the camp has suffered relentless bombardment during Israel’s invasion of northern Gaza. Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, and civil defence authorities have declared it a disaster zone. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, with no access to medical aid or basic services, and thousands remain missing amid widespread destruction.

Jabalia’s plight mirrors the broader devastation across Gaza. The ongoing campaign of collective punishment has resulted in over 152,000 casualties since 7 October, the majority women and children. Infrastructure has been obliterated, leading to mass displacement, starvation, and the collapse of essential services. Human rights groups have condemned these actions as war crimes.

Despite these horrors, Jabalia’s residents refuse to abandon their homes. Abu Tubaykh affirms their resolve: “We will fight until the last drop of blood. The occupiers will not take this land from us.” Their determination persists, even as they endure unprecedented levels of destruction and loss.

Jabalia remains a powerful symbol of Palestinian resistance. It stands as a testament to the unyielding will of its people to survive, reclaim their homeland, and resist oppression, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.