The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has once again escalated, leading to mass evacuations in heavily destroyed areas. The Israeli military ordered more evacuations in southern Gaza after a deadly airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in the north resulted in the deaths of at least 80 Palestinians. Israel claimed to have targeted a militant command post, killing 19 fighters in the process.
The situation in Gaza has been dire, with the majority of the population, around 2.3 million people, being displaced multiple times due to the 10-month-old war. Many have sought refuge in squalid tent camps with limited public services or in schools that have now become targets for airstrikes. The constant threat of violence has left Palestinians feeling unsafe in their own territory.
The latest evacuation orders apply to areas in Khan Younis, including a humanitarian zone declared by Israel, from which rockets were allegedly fired. Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of using civilians as shields and launching attacks from residential areas. Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, has already suffered widespread destruction during previous offensives, leading to tens of thousands fleeing the area.
Families in Khan Younis are once again forced to leave their homes and shelters, unsure of where to seek refuge. The repeated displacements have taken a toll on the residents, with many feeling hopeless and exhausted. The lack of safe spaces in Gaza has left people like Amal Abu Yahia, a mother of three, feeling lost and vulnerable.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching critical levels, with the death toll from the war approaching 40,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Aid groups are struggling to provide assistance, and experts have warned of the looming threat of famine in the territory. The conflict, which began with Hamas-led militants breaching Israel’s defences, has led to widespread devastation and loss of life.
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have been ongoing, with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar involved in negotiations. The conflict has also raised concerns of a regional war, with Israel engaging in hostilities with Iran and its allies across the region. The recent strike on a mosque inside a school in Gaza City, where civilians were seeking shelter, has drawn condemnation from European leaders and calls for a ceasefire from the US.
The UN human rights office has accused Israel of carrying out systematic attacks on schools serving as shelters, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. The need for a ceasefire and a hostage deal is urgent, as the conflict continues to claim innocent lives. The international community must come together to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work towards a lasting peace in the region.