Escalating Crisis: Palestinians in Gaza City Flee Amid Intense Israeli Assault

In recent weeks, the situation in Gaza City has deteriorated dramatically as thousands of families scramble to escape the relentless Israeli military assault. The Israeli government has confirmed the initiation of ground operations aimed at occupying Gaza City, which officials have identified as the last significant stronghold of Hamas. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold.

Families Forced to Evacuate

Lina al-Maghrebi, a 32-year-old mother of three from the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, shared her harrowing experience with the BBC. Despite her initial reluctance to leave her home due to the dangers surrounding her, she ultimately received a phone call from an Israeli officer instructing her to evacuate. “I was forced to sell my jewellery to cover the cost of displacement and a tent,” she recounted. The journey to safety was fraught with challenges, taking her family ten hours to reach Khan Younis, where they paid approximately 3,500 shekels (£735) for transportation. The roads were congested with an endless line of vehicles, highlighting the chaos that has engulfed the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the military operation as a “powerful operation,” emphasizing its significance in the broader context of the conflict with Hamas. The military has designated al-Rashid coastal road as the sole route for civilians to evacuate, but the reality on the ground is starkly different. Many evacuees have reported severe traffic congestion, with long queues of cars and trucks, and families stranded on the roadside while airstrikes continue above.

Struggles of Displacement

Nivin Imad al-Din, a 38-year-old mother of five, also faced the difficult decision to flee after Israeli warplanes dropped evacuation leaflets in her neighborhood. While she chose to leave, her husband opted to remain behind. “I couldn’t take my furniture with me because I couldn’t afford the cost of a large truck,” she explained, expressing the emotional toll of leaving her home and belongings. The escalating costs associated with displacement have become a significant burden for many families. Renting a small truck now costs around 3,000 shekels (£630), while a tent for five people can reach prices of approximately 4,000 shekels (£840). With most families deprived of income since the onset of the war, many have no choice but to walk for miles or stay in their homes despite the imminent dangers.

The Intensity of the Assault

The violence escalated overnight into Tuesday, with Israeli warplanes conducting heavy airstrikes across various parts of Gaza City. Key areas targeted included the central al-Daraj neighborhood, the Beach refugee camp in the west, and Sheikh Radwan in the north. The bombardment was accompanied by artillery fire, drone strikes, and helicopter gunship activity. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it was “gradually” moving into Gaza City as part of the next phase of its offensive, with troop numbers increasing daily.

Residents of Gaza have described the overnight strikes as “hell.” Ghazi al-Aloul, a displaced resident from northern Gaza, reported that he is currently sleeping at the entrance of al-Quds Hospital in Tel al-Hawa, southwest Gaza. “I did not choose this,” he said, explaining that he was forced to leave the home where his family had sought shelter for nearly a month after fleeing the north. He described the bombardment as “insane,” noting that the army threatened to demolish several residential buildings in the area.

The Humanitarian Impact

Sami Abu Dalal, a resident from al-Daraj in central Gaza, characterized the night as “extremely difficult,” reporting that entire residential blocks were leveled, leaving many dead, missing, or injured. He highlighted the intensity of Israel’s advance on multiple fronts, which included the use of booby-trapped vehicles, intense airstrikes, and heavy shelling. Apache helicopters hovered over various parts of the city, continuously firing into neighborhoods.

The escalation of Israel’s military operations coincides with a recent report from a United Nations commission of inquiry, which alleges that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli government has categorically rejected the findings of the report, further complicating the already tense situation.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with many families facing dire circumstances as they seek safety amidst the chaos and destruction.

Key Facts

– **Thousands of families** are fleeing Gaza City due to the Israeli military’s ground operations.
– **Lina al-Maghrebi**, a mother from Sheikh Radwan, was forced to evacuate after receiving an order from an Israeli officer.
– The cost of displacement has surged, with truck rentals reaching **3,000 shekels** (£630) and tents priced around **4,000 shekels** (£840).
– Heavy airstrikes and artillery fire have intensified across Gaza City, particularly in **al-Daraj**, **the Beach refugee camp**, and **Sheikh Radwan**.
– A **UN report** has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, a claim that Israel has vehemently denied.

Source: www.bbc.com