What was once Gaza’s busiest thoroughfare has become a terrifying escape route for Palestinian civilians running for their lives from heavy combat. After Israel announced it was opening a safe passage, those fleeing said they raised their hands or waved white flags to get past Israeli tanks deployed along stretches of the north-south highway. Some reported shots being fired at them and said they saw bodies along the way. Many escaped with just the clothes on their back. One woman, covered head-to-toe in a black veil and robe, cradled a toddler and clutched a black purse. A man walked alongside a covered donkey cart transporting his family.
