JERUSALEM. Israel’s military has issued a directive for the evacuation of the northern part of Gaza, which is home to 1.1 million people, roughly half of the territory’s population, within the next 24 hours, according to a U.N. spokesperson.
This significant development has raised concerns of a potential ground offensive, although the Israeli military has not confirmed such a move yet. On Thursday, they announced preparations were underway, but a final decision remained pending.
The evacuation order comes amid Israel’s ongoing offensive against Hamas militants. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the directive as “impossible” due to its potential “devastating humanitarian consequences.”
Israel had previously carried out extensive airstrikes in Gaza and had prepared for a possible ground invasion. They stated that the complete blockade of the territory would persist until Hamas militants released approximately 150 hostages taken during a violent incursion over the weekend.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel and the shipment of U.S. weapons have provided support for Israel’s response to Hamas’ attacks, even as international aid groups have raised concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis. Israel has cut off the supply of essential goods and electricity to Gaza’s 2.3 million people and has blocked the entry of supplies from Egypt.
Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesperson, revealed that forces are gearing up for a ground operation if political leaders give the order. However, such an operation in densely populated Gaza could lead to higher casualties on both sides.
Hamas’ attack on Saturday and subsequent attacks have resulted in over 1,300 casualties in Israel, including 247 soldiers, a toll not seen in decades. The Israeli bombardment has claimed the lives of more than 1,530 people in Gaza, with Israel asserting that around 1,500 of the casualties in Israel were Hamas militants.
As Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, Hamas militants have launched thousands of rockets into Israel. Concerns are mounting that the conflict could escalate across the region, with Syrian state media reporting that Israeli airstrikes have disrupted two Syrian international airports.
The relentless assault on Gaza, involving approximately 6,000 munitions, has left Palestinians fleeing their homes in search of safety. Tragically, a strike in the Jabaliya refugee camp resulted in the collapse of a residential building where families were taking shelter, leading to at least 45 fatalities, including 23 individuals under the age of 18.
The number of people displaced due to airstrikes surged by 25% in a single day, reaching 423,000 out of a population of 2.3 million. Most sought refuge in U.N.-run schools, with families forced to limit their meals and face shortages of basic necessities.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, with hospitals overwhelmed by an influx of wounded individuals and supplies running low. Without electricity, hospitals risk becoming incapable of treating patients, further exacerbating the crisis.
Israel’s decision to seal off the territory has left the Egypt-Gaza crossing at Rafah as the sole entry and exit point. However, airstrikes on Rafah have halted its operations, impeding the flow of aid and fuel into Gaza.
Israel has employed a new tactic of targeting entire neighborhoods, rather than individual buildings, stating that these decisions are based on intelligence related to Hamas activities. Israel is focusing on eliminating Hamas’ senior leadership, according to military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to “crush” Hamas after the group’s incursion into Israel’s south, resulting in mass casualties, including children and civilians. Amid widespread grief and demands for retaliation, Israel is facing pressure to dismantle Hamas instead of confining it to Gaza.
In a video released by civilian Hamas figures, the group defended its actions and lamented the civilian deaths in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes. Nevertheless, they stopped short of the bravado displayed in a video released earlier by Hamas’s military wing during the initial attacks.
Israel is in a state of mourning, with numerous funerals held for victims of the attacks. Public anger over the Israeli military’s surprise attack is mounting, with criticism directed at the government’s handling of the situation.
As the conflict escalates, concerns grow about its potential impact on the region. The international community closely watches the evolving situation as diplomacy and efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis remain essential.
AP contributed to this story.
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.
