Israel Orders Gaza City evacuations as Offensive Expands
Gaza City – Israeli forces have issued an evacuation order for residents of Gaza City, signaling an expansion of military operations in the area, according to reports from the Irish Times and other news agencies. The directive comes as fighting intensifies and humanitarian concerns mount within the besieged territory.
The evacuation order follows a recent Israeli strike on a high-rise building in Gaza City, which Israel claims housed Hamas surveillance operations – a claim for which no evidence has been publicly presented. This latest development occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, triggered by the October 7th, 2023, attack on southern Israel by Hamas-led militants, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. While most hostages have since been released through ceasefires and agreements, the remaining captives remain a key point of contention.
Israel maintains that military operations will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed, with plans to establish long-term security control over the Gaza strip, home to roughly two million Palestinians. Hamas, in turn, has stated it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from gaza.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on Palestinian civilians. according to Gaza’s health ministry, more then 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s retaliatory offensive.The ministry reports that approximately half of the deceased are women and children, though it does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties. The UN and autonomous experts recognize the Gaza health ministry as the most reliable source for war casualty figures,despite Israeli disputes and the absence of alternative official data.
Despite ongoing international aid efforts, which the statement indicates “will continue on an ongoing basis in co-operation with the UN and international organisations”, concerns remain regarding the safety of humanitarian areas. Gaza’s health ministry alleges Israeli forces have struck designated humanitarian zones, including Muwasi, previously declared a safe zone.
