Israeli Offensive in Gaza: Escalation, Bombing, and Aid Struggles

Israeli Offensive in Gaza

The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order to all Palestinians in Gaza City, instructing them to head southward as it intensifies its offensive operations across different regions of the territory. The evacuation order was communicated through leaflets dropped in Gaza City, urging residents to take two safe routes southward towards the area around the central town of Deir al-Balah. The military emphasized that Gaza City will remain a dangerous combat zone.

Earlier this week, the military had ordered Palestinians to evacuate from eastern and central parts of Gaza City, but many chose to stay as they perceived no safe refuge elsewhere in the Gaza Strip.

The escalation of military action coincides with ceasefire talks involving US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators meeting with Israeli officials in Doha. The talks aim to secure a ceasefire with Gaza’s Hamas militant group in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Israel claims that its current operations are targeting Hamas fighters regrouping in various parts of Gaza, nine months into the conflict. However, the heavy strikes across Gaza may also serve to exert additional pressure on Hamas during the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

The military recently completed an operation in the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, resulting in the deaths of dozens of militants and the destruction of eight underground tunnels.

Bombing Intensifies

Israeli troops have advanced into parts of Gaza City, prompting thousands of Palestinians to flee due to intensified shelling and airstrikes. A recent strike on Deir al-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in the deaths of 20 Palestinians, including women and children.

One of the targeted houses in Deir al-Balah was located within the ‘humanitarian safe zone,’ designated by Israel for Palestinian refuge.

The bombardment also included an airstrike on a school serving as a shelter for displaced families near Khan Younis, leading to the deaths of 31 people, including children, and injuring more than 50.

Aid Struggles at the Border

The United Nations has reported challenges in delivering aid to Palestinians via the Kerem Shalom border crossing, citing lawlessness, ongoing conflict, and coordination issues with Israeli forces in Gaza.

Israeli Colonel Elad Goren of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) unit stated that over 40,000 trucks have been facilitated for aid delivery, but the UN has only received and distributed aid from 26,000 trucks.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the difficulties in reaching those in need, particularly in central and southern Gaza, attributing obstacles to lawlessness and conflict. He mentioned instances of aid trucks being looted or attacked by criminal elements.