Israel has issued an evacuation order for Gaza City, home to almost half the population in Gaza Strip. Israel warns that staying inside would be “extremely dangerous”, ahead of an upcoming large-scale ground offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas’ last stronghold and dismantling Hamas’ last stronghold, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Evacuation Order and Ground Offensive.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have mobilized thousands of reserve soldiers and are planning an unprecedented ground maneuver into Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described current airstrikes as only the precursor of more intense operations aimed at dismantling Hamas and installing civilian administration under Israeli security oversight.
Although Gaza City residents were ordered to vacate, many continue to reside there due to a lack of resources and uncertainty regarding designated humanitarian zones in southern Gaza. According to reports by the UN, moving out can cost over $1,000 and aid organizations caution that many regions in southern Gaza lack sufficient infrastructure to accommodate an influx of displaced individuals. According to AP News.
Humanitarian Crisis
The evacuation order comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. According to reports by the Gaza Health Ministry, over 64,500 Palestinians have been killed since hostilities reignited again in October 2023, nearly 90% of Gazans displaced and critical infrastructure damaged; with aid groups warning that ongoing military actions exacerbate humanitarian needs further and violate international law (AP News).
International Reactions The international community has voiced alarm over the rising violence. The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire, calling upon both Israel and Hamas to end hostilities and allow humanitarian aid deliveries. Furthermore, several countries have condemned attacks against civilian infrastructure as well as accountability measures; diplomatic efforts to broker such an arrangement have thus far proven unsuccessful.
The Guardian provides more details.
As Israeli forces prepare a ground offensive in Gaza City, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen rapidly. International opinion remains divided as regards how best to handle this crisis; calls have been made both for an immediate ceasefire as well as long-term solutions to resolve Israel-Palestine disputes. The next few days will be critical in shaping how far the conflict goes and whether peace comes to this region.