In brief
On Saturday, the Israeli army directed evacuation orders for residents in Gaza City, prompting concerns from aid groups regarding the worsening humanitarian situation. The military's airstrikes on civilian structures, including high-rises, coincide with urgent calls for Palestinians to relocate to designated humanitarian zones. The Israeli offensive follows a devastating two-year-long war, which has displaced countless families and raised alarms about food and shelter shortages in Gaza. Over 64,000 Palestinians are reported dead amid the conflict, further exacerbating tensions and humanitarian issues, with many fearing for the fate of hostages still held by Hamas.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli army issued evacuation orders and targeted high-rise buildings in Gaza City on Saturday, urging Palestinians to flee south ahead of an escalating offensive to seize the city of nearly 1 million.
Aid groups warn that a large-scale evacuation would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza City, which was officially suffering from famine as a result of Israeli restrictions on food aid.
Most Palestinian families have been repeatedly displaced in the nearly two-year-long war and say they have nowhere left to go. The Israeli military has previously bombed tent encampments designated as humanitarian zones.
“There is no safe tent, no safe house, no safe place, no safety at all,” said Nadia Marouf, a mother relocating from northern Gaza, only to see her shelter destroyed in an airstrike targeting a complex of buildings.
The Israeli military spokesperson called for residents to move to a newly designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, but aid groups raised alarm about the inadequate resources, shelter, and safety in these areas.
Despite evacuation warnings, many remain defiant, including individuals who express their inability to move due to injuries or despair over repeated displacements.
The situation has drawn sharp criticism and intensified protests in Israel, with groups calling for the government to negotiate with Hamas for the return of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
