Residents of Gaza City urged to evacuate due to food scarcity, and Israeli forces focus on bombing additional high-rise buildings in the city.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine continues to escalate, with the Israeli military announcing evacuation orders for Palestinians in southern Gaza. The military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, called on Palestinians to flee to the newly redrawn humanitarian zone, which now includes the overcrowded encampment of Muwasi and parts of the southern city of Khan Younis.
However, aid groups have raised alarm about the woefully inadequate shelter, sanitation, water, and food in Muwasi. Months of Israeli bombardment have decimated civilian infrastructure in Khan Younis, making the prospect of evacuation a daunting one for many Palestinians.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 2,000 Palestinians have been killed at distribution sites in recent months, many by Israeli fire. The latest incident occurred at the Zikim crossing, where 11 Palestinians were reportedly killed. The Israeli military did not comment on the shooting deaths at the Zikim crossing.
Israel has seized control of 40% of Gaza's largest city and has been ramping up its offensive against Hamas after announcing plans to take control of the city. The 48 remaining hostages held by Hamas are still located in Gaza City under Hamas control, where Israel is intensifying its military operations to take full control of the city. The hostages are reportedly facing extreme conditions including hunger, injury, and torture.
The war erupted when Hamas-led militants invaded southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others on October 7, 2023. The Israeli military said it would work to provide field hospitals, water pipelines, and food supplies within its humanitarian zone.
The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with thousands of Israelis protesting in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, calling for a deal to free the remaining 48 hostages held in Gaza. Gil Dickmann, whose cousin was killed in captivity last year, criticized the military's renewed assault on Gaza City, saying it endangers the hostages. Michel Iluz, whose son was killed while captive in Gaza, shouted at the Jerusalem protest, "We're fed up! How much longer can you abuse us?"
A lasting truce has proven elusive, with Israel vowing to continue the war until Hamas disarms and releases all hostages. Aid groups warn that a large-scale evacuation would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza City, which is officially suffering from famine due to Israeli restrictions on food aid. A Hamas propaganda video released on Friday showed two hostages looking gaunt and exhausted while being driven around Gaza City.
The Israeli military's actions in Gaza continue to raise concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the conflict. The international community is urged to intervene to bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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