In brief
The Israeli military's evacuation orders in Gaza City have sparked concerns over a deepening humanitarian crisis, as aid groups highlight food shortages and inadequate living conditions. Many displaced families report feeling trapped and unable to evacuate further. On the ground, recent airstrikes have led to casualties among civilians, raising alarms about the safety of shelter zones claimed to be safe. Protests in Israel demand action for hostages, amidst ongoing military operations towards a full control of Gaza City's neighborhoods.
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 the world's leading hunger watchdog announced last month was officially suffering from famine due to 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. “There is no safe tent, no safe house, no safe place, no safety at all,” said a mother who fled the offensive.Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged Palestinians to move to ‘humanitarian zones’ recently designated, suggesting shelter provisions would be made. Many displaced people express their despair, stating that they cannot relocate due to deteriorating conditions and injuries.Intensified airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure are causing casualties among residents, leading to protests in Israel demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas.The war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians according to local health officials, furthering the climate of fear and uncertainty for families caught in the ongoing conflict.
