Israel Intensifies Assault in and Around Gaza, Sending Civilians Fleeing
Israel ramps up its offensive in and around Gaza’s second-largest city of Khan Younis, inflicting more casualties and forcing civilians to seek refuge in ever-shrinking areas.
The intensification of the Israeli bombardment has driven three-fourths of Gaza’s 2.3 million people from their homes, forcing them to seek safety in the already faintly crowded coastal strip. With orders to evacuate areas around Khan Younis, civilians are left with fewer options for safe shelter.
At the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, ambulances brought dozens of wounded people, including a young boy whose hand was blown off in the attack.
According to Hamza al-Bursh, a resident of Maan neighborhood, the indiscriminate strikes are unimaginable. He mentioned that people feel unsafe regardless of where they are, and indiscriminate strikes are causing chaos and panic among civilians.
Local residents reported Israeli troops advancing into the town of Bani Suheila following heavy airstrikes. Halima Abdel-Rahman, a local resident, expressed concern, stating that the situation is reminiscent of the destructive military actions in the north.
Satellite photos showed a significant Israeli military presence near Khan Younis, exacerbating fears of further escalating conflict.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Lynn Hastings, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Palestinian territories, expressed deep concerns, stating that there is nowhere safe left in Gaza, and conditions for delivering aid are non-existent.
Israel justifies its actions, stating that it aims to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure and remove it from power in order to prevent further attacks. It alleges that Hamas uses civilians as human shields.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 15,890 people, including 70% women and children, with more than 42,000 wounded. While the Israeli military has cast doubts on the figures provided by Gaza’s Health Ministry, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expresses concern about the situation in Gaza and emphasizes the need for Israel to take steps to protect civilians amidst its operations.
Evacuation orders issued by Israel have further complicated the situation, leaving thousands of residents displaced and with limited options for seeking refuge. With persistent hostilities, there is growing concern about the well-being of civilians and a potential humanitarian crisis in the region.