An Israeli military assault forced more Palestinians to flee their residences in Gaza City on Thursday. Despite Israeli directives to evacuate, thousands of residents opted to stay, choosing to remain amidst the destruction as Israel continues its advance.
Health authorities in Gaza reported that Israeli attacks on the enclave resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals on Thursday, with the majority of casualties occurring in Gaza City. Israeli forces have progressed through the outer suburbs and now stand just a few kilometers away from the city center.
The offensive in Gaza City commenced on August 10, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the objective is to decisively defeat Hamas militants in the area where Israeli troops faced heavy combat during the initial stages of the conflict.
Criticism from the international community has mounted due to the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region as a result of the campaign. Reports indicate internal tensions within Israel, including disagreements over strategy between military leaders and political figures.
Residents expressed that Israel launched bombardments on Gaza City’s Zeitoun, Sabra, and Shejaia districts from both ground and air. Tanks entered the eastern part of the Sheikh Radwan district, causing destruction to homes and igniting fires in tent settlements.
Israeli officials have not immediately responded to these reports. The Israeli military stated that their operations on the city’s outskirts aim to dismantle militants’ tunnels and locate weapons.
Gaza City suffered extensive damage during the initial weeks of the conflict in October and November 2023. While approximately a million individuals resided in the city before the war, hundreds of thousands have reportedly returned to live amidst the ruins, particularly after being evacuated from other areas by Israel.
Israel has advised civilians to evacuate Gaza City for their safety, claiming that 70,000 people have complied and headed south. Palestinian authorities contest this figure, stating that less than half have left, leaving many thousands still in harm’s way.
Amjad al-Shawa, the head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, warned that the ongoing displacement could place vulnerable individuals, including malnourished children, at increased risk. He emphasized that the refusal of residents to evacuate despite the violence and fatalities indicates a loss of trust.
Both Palestinian and UN officials have declared that there is no safe haven in Gaza, even in areas designated as humanitarian zones.
The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis across Gaza, with health officials reporting 370 deaths, including 131 children, due to malnutrition and starvation caused by acute food shortages. Israel claims to be implementing measures to enhance the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including boosting aid deliveries into the region.
Initiated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen launched an attack on southern Israel, the war has resulted in over 63,000 Palestinian fatalities, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities, and has left significant parts of the territory in ruins.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire and negotiate the release of the remaining 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, appear uncertain. In Israel, protests demanding an end to the conflict and the release of hostages have intensified in recent weeks.