Crowds evacuate as Israel intensifies advance within Gaza City's boundaries
In recent days, a significant exodus has taken place in Gaza, with more than 350,000 residents fleeing southwards, according to the Israeli army. This mass movement comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on southern Israel.
The Israeli military has launched a ground offensive to seize control of Gaza's main urban center, following a series of strikes against Hamas leaders in Doha on 9 September. These strikes resulted in the deaths of five members of the Palestinian militant group and a Qatari security officer.
Many Palestinians in Gaza insist there is no safe place in the territory, and would rather die in their homes than be displaced again. The kingdom has urged the UN Security Council to halt Israel's actions, describing them as killing, starvation, and forced displacement of Palestinians.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) found that "genocide is occurring in Gaza and is continuing to occur". This alarming conclusion has been met with international condemnation, with several countries expressing concerns over Israel's plans in Gaza. Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand have warned that the offensive could worsen the humanitarian crisis and possibly violate international law.
France has also called for Israel to stop its assault, stating that the "destructive campaign... no longer has any military logic". The European Parliament has demanded an immediate ceasefire and accused Israel of causing humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Additionally, nearly 60 Arab and Islamic countries gathered in Qatar have called for stronger measures against Israel, including reviewing diplomatic and economic relations and aiming to exclude Israel from the United Nations for alleged violations.
Saudi Arabia has condemned the Israeli ground operation in Gaza City, while Qatar described it as a continuation of Israel's "war of genocide" against the Palestinians. Pope Leo has denounced the conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza and renewed his appeal for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
The AFP tally of official figures states that 1,219 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the initial attack. Israel's retaliatory campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 64,964 people, mostly civilians, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry.
Amidst the chaos, the Israeli army has opened a temporary new route for people to flee Gaza City. About 40% of residents in Gaza City have fled as a result of the ongoing conflict. The United Nations estimated that around one million people live in Gaza City and its surroundings.
As the conflict continues, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, with a focus on the welfare and safety of the civilians caught in the crossfire.
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