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The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order for a section of the Gaza Strip that it had designated as a humanitarian zone. This move is part of a planned operation against Hamas militants who have entrenched themselves in the area, launching rockets toward Israel. The evacuation order has forced thousands of Palestinians, including children and families, to leave their homes once again.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order for a section of the Gaza Strip that it had designated as a humanitarian zone. This move is part of a planned operation against Hamas militants who have entrenched themselves in the area, launching rockets toward Israel. The evacuation order has forced thousands of Palestinians, including children and families, to leave their homes once again.
“We do not know where we are walking,” said Kholoud Al Dadas, clutching her children. “This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced. While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere.” Exhausted and overwhelmed, Al Dadas collapsed moments after sharing her ordeal.
The targeted area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in southern Gaza. Earlier this month, Israel estimated that at least 1.8 million Palestinians, a significant portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, are currently in this humanitarian zone. The zone, stretching about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean, is crowded with tent camps lacking basic sanitation and medical facilities, and offering limited access to aid. Families live amidst mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage, according to UN and humanitarian groups.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the death toll from Israel’s nine-month conflict with Hamas has exceeded 39,000 Palestinians, with 89,800 wounded. The ministry’s count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The conflict began on October 7 with a surprise assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages. Currently, about 120 hostages remain in captivity, with a third believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.
In light of these events, negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release are ongoing, with US and Israeli officials expressing optimism that an agreement is close. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has announced that a negotiating team will continue talks on Thursday. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are facilitating a phased ceasefire deal to halt the fighting and secure the release of hostages.
Netanyahu has embarked on a significant trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress. He aims to thank Biden for his decades of friendship and seek further support on critical issues. Netanyahu emphasized that regardless of who becomes the next US president, Israel and the United States will continue to stand together.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operations in central and southern Gaza. Recent attacks include an airstrike in the southern city of Khan Younis, which resulted in at least 38 deaths, and a strike outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir-Al-Balah, killing one and injuring three.
The military also announced the deaths of two additional Israeli hostages, Yagev Buchshtab, 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, based on intelligence reports. Both hostages were seen alive in Gaza by other released captives. Dancyg, a Holocaust educator, reportedly gave history lectures to fellow hostages to pass the time.
Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and secure the return of all hostages. Israeli families and supporters have held weekly demonstrations to urge the prime minister to finalize a ceasefire deal that would bring their loved ones home.
In related news, Israeli police reported the death of a Canadian citizen who threatened security forces with a knife near the Gaza border. The incident occurred at the entrance to the Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara, just 300 meters north of the border, a site previously attacked on October 7, resulting in 20 deaths.
The United Nations has accused Israel of targeting a UN humanitarian convoy in central Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, reported that Israeli forces shot at a clearly marked armoured UN vehicle near a military checkpoint, with five bullets piercing the vehicle. Although no one was injured, Lazzarini condemned the military’s actions, highlighting the danger posed to humanitarian workers.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with displaced families facing severe hardships amid ongoing military operations.
