JERUSALEM. In an unprecedented move, Israel’s military issued an evacuation order for approximately 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza on Friday. This order came ahead of an anticipated ground invasion aimed at targeting the ruling Hamas militant group. As the exodus began, the United Nations expressed grave concern over the massive displacement, which accounts for nearly half of Gaza’s population, and called on Israel to reconsider its decision.
The scenes in northern Gaza were filled with families and individuals frantically departing their homes in cars, trucks, and even donkey carts, laden with essential belongings and blankets. They were heading towards the southern part of the besieged territory. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes relentlessly pounded neighborhoods in southern Gaza, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
Hamas, the group responsible for launching a shocking and brutal attack on Israel nearly a week ago, which has resulted in the firing of thousands of rockets, urged residents to remain in their homes. They labeled the evacuation order as “psychological warfare” designed to undermine the unity of the Palestinian people. However, many Palestinians hesitated to leave their homes, as safety was far from guaranteed anywhere in the small territory due to constant bombardment by Israeli airstrikes. Furthermore, Gaza has been suffering from shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, compounded by a near-complete blackout of electricity.
Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, emotionally stated, “Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if you’ll make it, if you’re going to live.”
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the week-long conflict has resulted in approximately 1,800 casualties in the territory, with more than half of them being children or women. Hamas’ initial assault on Israel last Saturday claimed over 1,300 lives, predominantly civilians, while the Israeli government reported that roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting.
The ongoing hostilities have had far-reaching repercussions, with tensions escalating across the region. In recent days, Israel has exchanged fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, prompting concerns of a broader conflict. Nevertheless, as of now, the situation along that border remains relatively calm.
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.
