Israel’s Ongoing Assault on Gaza City: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated dramatically, with Israeli forces intensifying their military campaign against Gaza City. Reports indicate that approximately 900,000 residents remain in the city, despite the ongoing bombardment. Many who sought refuge in the southern al-Mawasi area have returned to Gaza City due to unbearable conditions.

The Strategy Behind the Bombing Campaign

Israel’s military strategy appears aimed at displacing the population of Gaza City. The Israeli army has systematically targeted buildings, including United Nations schools that serve as shelters for displaced families. This approach has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and various governments around the world. According to United Nations statistics, more than 850 individuals have been shot near aid distribution sites, raising concerns about the intent behind these military actions.

Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, a prominent figure in Gaza’s healthcare sector, noted that the pattern of attacks suggests that the Israeli military is deliberately exerting extreme pressure on densely populated areas filled with displaced families. As a result, many displaced individuals have concentrated in the western part of Gaza City, seeking safety amidst the chaos.

Conditions in Al-Mawasi: A False Safe Haven

The al-Mawasi area was already overcrowded before the latest conflict escalated, housing many displaced individuals from the eastern regions of Rafah and Khan Younis. Following the bombardment of Gaza City, the influx of new arrivals has pushed the area to its limits. Reports indicate that many families who attempted to find refuge in al-Mawasi have been forced to return to Gaza City after failing to secure shelter or basic services.

One displaced individual, Ashour, recounted his experience: “I went to al-Mawasi, but the costs were too high… and it was almost impossible to find a proper spot without paying extra. We stayed two days. During that time, the tent next to us was bombed even in what they call a safe zone.”

The dire living conditions have led many families to seek refuge in already overcrowded schools, which have become the last bastion for many seeking safety. However, these shelters are not immune to attacks, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The Reality of Displacement

As the Israeli military continues its campaign, the situation for many displaced families remains precarious. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported witnessing a constant flow of families arriving at the al-Mawasi camp, lured by promises of essential resources like water and hygiene facilities. However, the reality has been starkly different, as many have found themselves in overcrowded and under-resourced environments.

Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud described the relentless nature of the bombardment, with fighter jets dropping bombs on residential areas and public facilities every 10 to 15 minutes. The lack of adequate warning has left many residents with little time to evacuate to safety.

Despite the dangers, numerous residents have chosen to remain in Gaza City or return after attempting to flee south. One resident expressed his disillusionment: “There was no safety. It’s all lies. At first, I believed them, but I realized it was better to return to Gaza City. If they’re going to kill me, may as well be in Gaza City, rather than risk everything in al-Mawasi.”

Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with the Ministry of Health reporting that seven individuals, including children, died from malnutrition-related causes in just 24 hours. This brings the total number of starvation-related deaths to 420 since the onset of the conflict, with 145 of those being children.

Faraj Ashour, a displaced Palestinian who lost his legs in an Israeli attack, conveyed the desperation of families struggling to find food: “I would be sending my 13-year-old son to his death if I sent him out to find food for the family.”

Dr. Salmiya confirmed that while some residents have managed to move westward within Gaza City, only a limited number have been able to reach the southern regions. The Israeli military has systematically targeted high-rise buildings in Gaza City, claiming they are being used by Hamas, although evidence to substantiate these claims has not been provided.

Continued Attacks and Humanitarian Responses

On Saturday, Israeli forces persisted with their airstrikes, targeting high-rise structures and UN schools that were sheltering displaced individuals. Reports indicated that several Palestinians were injured in a drone strike at an outdoor dining facility, which was being used as a charging station for electronic devices.

The Palestine Red Crescent field hospital reported casualties from an Israeli drone strike on a tent sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has highlighted that a staggering 86 percent of Gaza is either a militarized zone or under threat of displacement.

As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to watch closely, with calls for humanitarian aid and intervention growing louder.

Key Facts

– Approximately 900,000 residents remain in Gaza City amid continuous bombardment.
– Over 850 individuals have been shot near aid distribution sites, according to UN figures.
– Al-Mawasi area is overcrowded, with many displaced individuals returning to Gaza City due to dire conditions.
– The Ministry of Health reports 420 deaths from starvation, including 145 children, since the conflict began.
– Israeli forces have targeted UN schools and residential buildings, claiming they are associated with Hamas without providing evidence.

Source: www.aljazeera.com