Gaza Faces Impending Mass Displacement as Israeli Offensive Intensifies, Sparking Widespread Fear

Gaza City is gripped by widespread fear and anxiety following an announcement from the Israeli military confirming preparations for the forcible displacement of 1 million people. This directive comes amidst an intensified Israeli offensive and escalating humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories (COGAT) stated that provisions for tents and shelter equipment would resume for civilians transferring from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip. This move is part of the IDF’s broader preparations for an offensive aimed at seizing control of Gaza City, a plan that has already triggered international alarm.

The announcement compounds the dire situation on the ground, where residents are already facing repeated displacement, critical shortages of food and water, and a severe lack of medical supplies. Recent days have seen heavy explosions and intensified Israeli operations in eastern Gaza. Health officials reported at least 40 Palestinians, including a baby, were killed on Saturday, with 13 fatalities occurring as people sought food aid. Malnutrition-related deaths continue to rise, with 11 reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 251 due to aid blockades.

Palestinians describe profound exhaustion and despair, with many forced to live in tent camps or amidst rubble. While some families have begun seeking shelter in the south, a significant number express their determination to remain in Gaza City despite the looming threat, citing the unbearable hardships faced by those previously displaced. The expanded offensive is expected to include previously designated humanitarian zones like al-Muwasi, further limiting safe areas.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted across Israel, with thousands demonstrating in Jerusalem on Sunday, demanding a deal to free hostages held in Gaza and opposing the new military offensive, which many fear endangers the remaining captives. Police reported dozens of arrests as demonstrators sought to disrupt daily life with a one-day strike. The ongoing conflict has resulted in an estimated 61,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, underscoring the severe human cost of 22 months of war.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.