Thousands of Palestinians Flee Gaza City Amid Intensified Israeli Offensive

As Israeli ground troops advance into Gaza City, thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the area, seeking safety from the escalating violence. This mass exodus comes a day after Israel announced the commencement of a significant ground offensive intended to occupy the city, which has been a focal point of conflict.

Current Situation in Gaza City

The ongoing military campaign has led to a surge in bombings across Gaza City, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that al-Ranitisi children’s hospital was struck in three separate attacks. These assaults forced half of the hospital’s patients and their families to evacuate. In response, the Israeli military stated it is investigating these claims. Over the past two days, Israel has reportedly targeted more than 150 locations identified as “terror targets” throughout Gaza City. The Israeli government asserts that the objective is to eliminate up to 3,000 Hamas fighters, whom they describe as operating from the group’s “last stronghold,” while also striving to free hostages taken during the conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with international condemnation of the offensive growing. Leaders of over 20 humanitarian organizations have urged global leaders to intervene, stating that the conditions faced by civilians in Gaza are “unconscionable.”

In the face of such adversity, large groups of Palestinians have been making their way south from Gaza City. Many are using donkey carts, rickshaws, and vehicles piled high with belongings, while others are forced to walk. Until recently, they were restricted to a single coastal road leading to an Israel-designated “humanitarian area” in al-Mawasi. However, on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the opening of an additional evacuation route along the central Salah al-Din road, available for 48 hours starting at noon local time.

Despite the opening of new routes, many Palestinians are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the cost of fleeing. Reports indicate that the price for renting a small truck has surged to approximately 3,000 shekels (around $900), while a tent for five people now costs about 4,000 shekels.

Lina al-Maghrebi, a 32-year-old mother of three from the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, shared her struggles with the BBC: “I was forced to sell my jewellery to cover the cost of displacement and a tent.” She described a grueling 10-hour journey to Khan Younis, during which they paid 3,500 shekels for transportation, amidst an endless line of vehicles.

Overcrowded Conditions in Humanitarian Areas

The “humanitarian area” designated by Israel is reportedly overcrowded and ill-equipped to support the influx of approximately 2 million Palestinians expected to converge there. Some individuals who followed military orders to evacuate found no available space to set up their tents and were compelled to return north. The IDF has reported that around 350,000 people have fled Gaza City, while the United Nations estimates that approximately 190,000 have evacuated since August. Current estimates suggest that at least 650,000 individuals remain in the city.

Military Tactics and Hostage Concerns

In its military operations, the IDF has been utilizing modified military vehicles that are remotely controlled and loaded with explosives. These vehicles are driven into Hamas positions and detonated, as reported by Israeli media. Concurrently, families of the 48 remaining hostages held by Hamas—20 of whom are believed to be alive—have gathered to protest outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence. They expressed their fears that the ongoing offensive could jeopardize the lives of their loved ones. Macabit Mayer, aunt to hostages Gali and Ziv Berman, voiced her concerns: “All day long, you boast about killing and destruction… Could it be that you are bringing these buildings down right now on Gali and Ziv?”

International Reactions

The offensive has attracted widespread international criticism. UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the situation as “totally and utterly unacceptable,” while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper labeled it “utterly reckless and appalling.” In contrast, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered tacit support for Israel’s actions during a joint press conference with Netanyahu, suggesting that while the US prefers a negotiated resolution, dealing with Hamas may necessitate military action.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry recently concluded that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report detailed allegations of sexual and gender-based violence, targeted killings of children, and systematic attacks on cultural and educational sites. Israel’s foreign ministry has categorically rejected these findings, characterizing them as “distorted and false.”

Background of the Conflict

The current escalation in violence began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in response to this attack, Gaza’s health ministry reports that at least 64,964 people have died, with nearly half of those being women and children. The United Nations has warned that the intensification of military actions will push civilians into an “even deeper catastrophe,” with famine already declared in parts of Gaza City.

Key Facts

– Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing Gaza City due to an Israeli ground offensive.
– The IDF has targeted over 150 sites in Gaza City in two days.
– The UN estimates around 650,000 people remain in Gaza City amid the conflict.
– A humanitarian area designated for evacuees is overcrowded and insufficient.
– The IDF has used remotely controlled vehicles loaded with explosives in its operations.
– International reactions range from condemnation to tacit support for Israel’s actions.

Source: www.bbc.com