Israel Intensifies Offensive in Gaza City Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Displacement and Casualties Surge as Conflict Escalates
The Israeli military has intensified its operations in Gaza City, dropping leaflets on Wednesday urging all residents to evacuate to the south. According to an AFP journalist, the leaflets warned that Gaza City remains a 'dangerous combat zone' and advised civilians to move to shelters in Deir el-Balah and Al Zawiya. Thousands of Palestinians have already fled the city, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have resumed ground operations in Gaza, supported by artillery and aircraft. The army has justified the distribution of leaflets as part of its 'anti-terrorist operations' against Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The IDF claims to have eliminated terrorists using the UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City as a base for attacks and has destroyed tunnels in Shujaiya, east of the city.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UNRWA, stated that 'there is absolutely no safe place' in Gaza, with water and food supplies dwindling. More than 80% of the population has been displaced, and residents are living in 'disastrous' conditions. On Tuesday evening, an Israeli strike hit a school in Abassan near Khan Younes, killing 29 people, including children. The Israeli army claimed it was targeting terrorists.
In the wake of these attacks, many wounded, including children and the elderly, were transported to Nasser hospital by relatives and ambulances. Mohammed Sukkar, a witness, reported that civilians near the school gate were hit by rockets, emphasizing that they were not armed and were not part of the resistance.
The conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides. According to official Israeli data, 1,195 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the initial Hamas attack. In response, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza that has resulted in 38,193 deaths, primarily civilians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Ongoing Negotiations for a Ceasefire
As the conflict continues, indirect talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the USA are set to resume this week in Cairo. An Israeli delegation, led by Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet, has traveled to Cairo for negotiations with Hamas. The discussions aim to establish a ceasefire and facilitate an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any agreement will allow Israel to resume fighting until all war aims are achieved, including the complete destruction of Hamas as a military and governmental force in Gaza. This stance has been criticized as an attempt to undermine the negotiations. Meanwhile, protests in Israel have called for a resolution to the hostage situation and a ceasefire, as well as new elections.
