Thousands of residents from the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City have reportedly evacuated due to ongoing Israeli bombardment, which has created a challenging situation, according to the Hamas-run municipality. Amidst these tensions, the Gaza civil defense agency reported that at least 40 individuals were killed from Israeli strikes on Saturday.
The Israeli military announced that it would permit aid agencies to bring tents into Gaza, as part of plans to relocate one million people from Gaza City to southern camps. A one-day general strike in Israel is scheduled for Sunday in response to the government’s strategy regarding Gaza City, which has drawn objection from the families of hostages held by Hamas. These families argue that the ongoing conflict jeopardizes the lives of their loved ones.
Israeli leadership recently confirmed intentions to occupy Gaza City following a council decision, a move that has been condemned by the UN Security Council. As part of efforts to protect civilians, the Israeli military indicated it would resume supplying tents and shelter equipment to Gaza. Reports from the Gaza City municipality indicated that significant displacement has already occurred in Zeitoun after several days of bombings and shelling.
With a population of approximately 50,000, residents of Zeitoun are reportedly facing severe shortages of food and water. The local municipality claims that 80% of Gaza City’s infrastructure has been damaged due to prolonged conflict, and only four hospitals remain operational, struggling with limited medical supplies.
The UN has reported that around 1.9 million individuals in Gaza, or about 90% of the population, are displaced, with rising concerns of malnutrition. Recent figures indicate at least 251 deaths from malnutrition, including 108 children. A woman evacuated to Italy for medical treatment, identified as Marah Abu Zuhri, died from severe malnutrition shortly after arriving.
The international community, including the UK, EU, and others, has raised alarms about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging necessary actions to alleviate starvation. Reports indicate a significant number of fatalities among Palestinians seeking food, with the conflict intensified since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2018wx3zlgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss