Following intense bombardment by the Israeli military, residents of Gaza City are desperate for safety, prompting mass evacuations while protests against the government's occupation plans gain momentum in Israel.
Palestinians Seek Refuge Amid Ongoing Violence as Israelis Rally Against Occupation
Palestinians Seek Refuge Amid Ongoing Violence as Israelis Rally Against Occupation
As thousands flee the dangerous conditions in Gaza City, protests erupt in Israel against the government's controversial plans.
Israeli bombardment has forced thousands of Palestinians to evacuate from the Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City amid an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis, according to local authorities. The recent attacks have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals across the territory as the Israeli military prepares to facilitate the movement of displaced residents to safer areas. Meanwhile, in Israel, protests are mounting over the government's decision to occupy Gaza City and displace its population, amidst fears for the hostages held by Hamas.
Reports from Gaza City's Hamas-run municipality describe a "catastrophic" situation, with considerable damage to infrastructure and limited access to food and water for displaced residents. The intensified air strikes have created an atmosphere of chaos, with families like that of 40-year-old Ghassan Kashko finding refuge in school buildings. The Israeli military has announced plans to allow tents and shelter equipment into Gaza, yet as many as a million people are expected to be forcibly displaced.
A one-day general strike is scheduled in Israel as public outcry heightens against the government's strategy to seize Gaza City, an action condemned by the UN Security Council. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly eager to assert control over the area. While Israel’s military operations continue, hospitals in Gaza are struggling to cope with shortages of essential supplies and are operating at minimal capacity.
As water, food, and medical shortages grow more acute, the UN has reported that nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—approximately 1.9 million people—are now displaced. The plight of those remaining has reached disturbing levels, with 11 recent deaths attributed to malnutrition, among them children. One particularly poignant case involved a 20-year-old woman who, having been evacuated for medical attention, succumbed to complications from severe malnutrition in Italy.
International calls for action to avert famine in Gaza have intensified, as Aid organizations report being unable to deliver humanitarian assistance due to the ongoing conflict and stringent restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities. The recent violence began following a significant Hamas attack on October 7, leading to numerous casualties on both sides and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.
