you know, when you have a cancer, you know you're going to die. at least to die, better than that, you know. >> reporter: every day, desperate families are trying to get out. the military has set up a check point where they wait, just half a mile from the airport. after more than 14 hours in the steamy heat, a lucky few are chosen to go. leaving behind the battered remains of irma's wrath. most have no idea when they will be able to return. clarissa ward, cnn, on the french side of st. martin. >> clarissa ward reporting. thank you. still ahead on "cnn newsroom," the palestinian group hamas is paving the way for possible reconciliation. plus, world leaders come together in new york for the