Gaza City Under Siege: Thousands Flee as Israeli Ground Offensive Intensifies Amidst Global Outcry

The Israeli military has escalated its assault on Gaza City, initiating ground operations that have prompted a mass exodus of thousands of Palestinian families. The offensive aims to occupy the city, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas’s last major stronghold.

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the unfolding crisis. Lina al-Maghrebi, a 32-year-old mother of three from Sheikh Radwan, recounted her harrowing journey after receiving an evacuation order from an Israeli officer. “I was forced to sell my jewellery to cover the cost of displacement and a tent,” she shared, detailing a grueling 10-hour journey to Khan Younis that cost 3,500 shekels (£735) amidst endless queues of vehicles.

Civilians are directed to use the al-Rashid coastal road, the sole designated evacuation route, which is reportedly choked with traffic. Families face severe congestion, long delays, and the constant threat of overhead airstrikes as they attempt to flee.

The intensified operation has triggered widespread international condemnation. The UN human rights chief and Germany’s foreign minister have voiced strong objections, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper labeling the offensive “utterly reckless and appalling.” Cooper warned of increased bloodshed, civilian casualties, and danger to remaining hostages.

In contrast, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to lend tacit support to Israel’s actions during a recent joint press conference with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Rubio stated that while the US prefers a negotiated peace, such an outcome might not be feasible “when you’re dealing with a group of savages like Hamas.”

This ramp-up in military activity follows a United Nations commission of inquiry report released just yesterday, which accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has vehemently rejected the report’s findings.

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