DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The Israeli military issued an evacuation order on Monday for a section of the Gaza Strip designated as a humanitarian zone, citing plans for a military operation against Hamas militants entrenched in the area.
In response, thousands of Palestinians, including many with children and essential belongings, began their exodus from the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza Strip. The zone, which stretches about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean, has become a refuge for approximately 1.8 million Palestinians. The conditions there are dire, with tent camps lacking sanitation and medical facilities, and limited access to aid. “We do not know where we are walking,” said Kholoud Al Dadas, a displaced resident. “This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced. While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere.” Moments later, Al Dadas collapsed from exhaustion, and bystanders rushed to help.
The Israeli military’s operation targets Hamas militants who have reportedly used the area to launch rockets into Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been conducting strikes in central and southern Gaza, with one recent strike resulting in the death of one person and injuries to three outside the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir-Al-Balah. Additionally, at least 15 people, including four women and six children, were killed in strikes in Khan Younis, according to hospital officials and an Associated Press journalist.
The evacuation order comes amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations, with U.S. and Israeli officials optimistic about reaching an agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a negotiating team will continue talks on Thursday. Netanyahu, who departed for the U.S. on Monday, is set to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress. Netanyahu emphasized the enduring alliance between Israel and the U.S.: “Our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always.”
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, the World Health Organization recently reported traces of the polio virus in Gaza’s sewage system. The virus’s presence has raised concerns about deteriorating water and sanitation conditions. The Israeli military has announced plans to vaccinate soldiers and collaborate with organizations to provide vaccines for Palestinians.
In a separate incident, Israeli police reported the death of a Canadian citizen near the Gaza border. The man, who reportedly threatened security forces with a knife, was shot and killed by Israeli forces. The attack occurred near Netiv HaAsara, a town that had previously been targeted during the ongoing conflict.
The war in Gaza, ignited by an attack from Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 38,900 deaths, including both combatants and civilians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict, which has also seen the kidnapping of about 250 hostages, has spurred calls for a cease-fire and increased international involvement to address the escalating crisis.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
