Palestinians Flee Gaza City as Israeli Assault Intensifies

Palestinian families are fleeing Gaza City as Israel escalates its military operations aimed at capturing the region. The intensified bombing has forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters amid dire conditions. Many are now living in temporary tents on the outskirts of central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, south of Gaza City, as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Survivors describe a harrowing reality. “We are thrown in the streets, like what would I say? Like dogs? We are not like dogs. Dogs are [treated] better than us,” said Mohammed Maarouf, a 50-year-old father of nine, who left his home in Beit Lahiya. His story echoes the experiences of many, as families are repeatedly displaced from their homes. Ahmad Saadeh, originally from Beit Hanoon, highlighted the widespread suffering: “We suffer from many things. We suffer that our children are ill.” Reports indicate that famine was confirmed in the region earlier this month, exacerbating the dire situation.

Since early August, Israeli forces have conducted a relentless bombardment of Gaza City, marking an escalation in their campaign to control the area. The military announced on Friday that it had initiated the “initial stages” of its offensive, officially designating Gaza City as a “combat zone.” According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), this operation could forcibly displace up to one million Palestinians to designated concentration zones in southern Gaza.

The impact of these attacks is devastating. On Saturday, hospital sources reported at least 71 fatalities across Gaza due to Israeli strikes, with 41 of those deaths occurring in Gaza City alone. Tragically, among the deceased were individuals queuing for bread at community ovens serving displaced families. Additionally, seven people were killed when Israeli forces targeted a residential apartment block in Gaza City, prompting rescue efforts to locate survivors amidst the rubble.

The situation has drawn international attention and condemnation. Hani Mahmoud, a reporter for Al Jazeera, noted the severity of the attacks, stating, “Homes and community centres have been reduced to rubble, eroding the foundations of civilian life in the area.” He emphasized that residents are facing famine, enforced starvation, and dehydration, which are escalating towards a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, raised concerns about Israel’s plans for mass evacuation. She stated, “It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions,” describing the approach as “not only unfeasible but incomprehensible.”

Despite the growing criticism of its military strategy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continues its offensive without indication of a ceasefire. Columnist Gideon Levy from Haaretz criticized Israel’s actions, characterizing the overarching plan for Gaza as a form of ethnic cleansing. He stated, “The plan is to push all the inhabitants of Gaza out of their houses, then lock them in those concentration camps.”

The international response has been complicated by the United States’ longstanding support for Israel. The US has provided billions of dollars in military assistance since the onset of hostilities in October 2023. Furthermore, Washington has shielded Israel from accountability calls at the UN and other international platforms. In February, former President Donald Trump suggested the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal that aligns with accusations of ethnic cleansing.

As the conflict escalates, the plight of Palestinian families continues to draw global attention, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the ongoing crisis.