Mass exodus from Gaza City as Israel launches air assault, leaving dozens dead in fresh assault
In the heart of the Middle East, the city of Gaza continues to endure a devastating offensive, sparking outrage from the international community and causing a humanitarian crisis.
The offensive, aimed at destroying the militant group Hamas in Gaza City's largest city, has resulted in a staggering death toll of 1,219 people, most of them civilians. This grim reality was echoed by eyewitness Mohammed al-Danf, who passionately declared, "Enough, we want to be free. We want to live, we don't want to die, who told you we want to die? Tell Netanyahu: we don't want to die!"
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) has found that "genocide is occurring in Gaza and is continuing to occur." This assertion was further underscored by Qatar, which urged Israel to halt its assault on Gaza City, labelling it "an extension of its genocidal war against the Palestinian people."
The families of hostages taken by Palestinian militants in October 2023 have joined the chorus of protest, demonstrating in front of Netanyahu's house in Jerusalem. Of the 251 people taken hostage, 47 remain in Gaza.
The UN probe has also accused Israel of committing genocide in the Palestinian territory. This accusation has been met with despair from the affected population. Many Gazans refuse to leave their homes due to high costs associated with relocation and the belief that death is cheaper and more merciful. Residents like Umm Ahmed Yunes, a resident of a partially destroyed home, have vowed to stay put.
The Israeli military has struck more than 150 targets in Gaza City since launching its ground assault on Tuesday. At least 64 people have been killed in air strikes, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. One such incident occurred in Gaza City's Shati camp, where an air strike killed a woman and her child.
However, there has been a glimmer of hope in the form of Israel's announcement of a temporary transportation route via Salah al-Din Street, open for 48 hours from midday (0900 GMT). This move comes amidst mounting pressure on Israel to de-escalate the situation.
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on the mental and physical health of the population. Mother of four Fatima Lubbad left Gaza City with 10 relatives but found the ordeal unbearable. She expressed her sentiments, saying, "I cannot bear this any longer. I have to get my children out of here."
The international community continues to call for an immediate end to the violence and a commitment to peace and the protection of civilian lives. The situation in Gaza City serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.
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