Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive: Tanks Enter Deir al-Balah, Prompting Mass Evacuations

Israeli tanks have for the first time advanced into Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, marking a significant escalation in the 21-month conflict and triggering a new wave of civilian displacement. The ground operation, which began on Monday, followed Israeli orders for residents in several areas of the city to evacuate.

Local journalists reported heavy air and artillery strikes accompanying the tank advance into southern and eastern parts of Deir al-Balah. The city had previously been one of the few areas in Gaza largely spared from major Israeli ground operations. Night-time footage and reports from local medics confirm multiple casualties from the intense shelling.

The humanitarian situation in Deir al-Balah is described as “extremely critical” by organizations like Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), which operates a clinic in the city. Shelling is reported close to aid offices, forcing the closure of nine clinics, five shelters, and a community kitchen. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that the evacuation orders issued on Sunday cover an area home to 50,000 to 80,000 people, including 30,000 displaced individuals already sheltering in camps.

Many families, including those with vulnerable members, are fleeing under dire conditions, expressing fears for their lives amidst heavy gunfire and snipers. Humanitarian agencies have warned that any damage to essential infrastructure in the affected zones, which include health clinics, water facilities, and aid warehouses, would have life-threatening consequences for the already struggling population.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it maintains contact with international aid organizations for evacuations but did not comment directly on the military operation. The UN estimates that approximately 87.8% of Gaza is now under Israeli evacuation orders or within militarized zones, intensifying the severe squeeze on the 2.1 million residents and further collapsing essential services. Concerns also persist among families of Israeli hostages that an offensive in Deir al-Balah could endanger those still held captive.

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.