The Israeli military has issued statements indicating that the evacuation of Gaza City is unavoidable, as their forces are preparing for a significant ground operation. Avichay Adraee, the military’s Arabic spokesman, noted on social media that families relocating south would receive substantial humanitarian assistance. Reports indicate that Israeli tanks have entered new areas of Gaza City, resulting in further displacement of residents. Thousands of individuals have fled the intensifying operations, primarily relocating within the city, where approximately one million Palestinians currently reside.
This call for evacuation coincides with a scheduled meeting at the White House, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on a post-war strategy for Gaza. Earlier this month, Israel announced its intent to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, declaring Gaza City as the last stronghold of Hamas.
International organizations, including the UN, have expressed concerns regarding the potential humanitarian consequences of an offensive in Gaza City. Recent military actions have led to the destruction of homes, particularly in the Ibad al-Rahman district. Witness accounts describe escalating violence and explosions prompting residents to flee.
On Wednesday, Israeli military operations continued in Jabalia and Gaza City’s outskirts, where they reported engaging a “terrorist cell” and discovering a weapons storage site. Following failed indirect talks with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s goals for the entire Gaza Strip. However, Netanyahu is under pressure, with large protests occurring in Tel Aviv where civilians are calling for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of Israeli hostages.
In conjunction, the U.S. special envoy confirmed that the White House is preparing a detailed plan for post-war Gaza, anticipating a resolution to the conflict by the end of the year. The military response from Israel was a direct reaction to a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in numerous fatalities and hostages. Since then, casualties in Gaza have reportedly exceeded 62,900, with widespread destruction causing significant humanitarian crises, including a confirmed famine.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gmrxd8ryno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss