Gaza City Under Intense Israeli Bombardment, Sparks Mass Civilian Exodus
Gaza City Under Intense Israeli Bombardment, Sparks Mass Civilian Exodus
Israeli forces have significantly escalated their assault on Gaza City, unleashing a wave of heavy aerial bombardments that have devastated entire apartment blocks and concrete structures. This intensified offensive marks a sharp increase from previous military operations, leading to a massive displacement of civilians.
Residents of Gaza City have been warned by Israel to evacuate immediately in anticipation of a major ground offensive. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Saturday that approximately 250,000 people have already fled the city, moving south. The IDF also claimed to have destroyed a high-rise building used by Hamas for terror attacks, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts Gaza City is Hamas’s last major stronghold.
The intensified offensive has drawn international criticism, with the UN warning of an even deeper catastrophe for civilians in an area already experiencing famine. Residents recount harrowing escapes, with many forced to flee in darkness, often after receiving only moments’ notice before bombardments. While Israel directs residents south, many families struggle to afford the journey, with costs reaching up to $1,100.
Meanwhile, Hamas has urged residents to remain in the city and resist evacuation. Amidst the conflict, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesman strongly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu following an Israeli strike on Hamas officials in Doha this week. The strike, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, occurred while Hamas was discussing the latest US ceasefire proposal. Qatar’s Prime Minister stated they received only 10 minutes’ notice from a US official after the attack began. The incident has fueled accusations that Netanyahu is not committed to a peace deal.
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