Mass Exodus of Palestinians Amidst Israel's Advancement in Gaza City
In the heart of the ongoing conflict, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry has levelled a grave accusation against Israel, claiming that the nation is committing genocide in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. This shocking allegation has sparked a wave of concern and calls for action from aid groups and several European countries.
The statement from the aid groups, signed by leaders of over 20 organisations operating in Gaza, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, Anera, and Save the Children, calls for decisive action from the international community. The message is a response to Israel's military strikes on Gaza City, which have toppled high-rise towers in densely populated areas, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Officially, several European countries including Germany, the UK, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand have expressed opposition to Israel's planned offensive in Gaza City. These nations cite concerns about worsening the humanitarian situation, risking hostages' lives, potential massive civilian displacement, and possible violations of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, five European UN Security Council members—Britain, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia—jointly condemned the Israeli government's plan to expand military operations into Gaza City.
Israel, however, denies the accusation of committing genocide in Gaza. The Israeli military is investigating deadly strikes in Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, and the Muwasi area, claiming that these towers are being used by Hamas to surveil troops.
In the midst of this, ground troops of the Israeli military have moved into Gaza City on the second day of a ground offensive. This escalation has led to a significant increase in the number of casualties, with at least 16 people, including women and children, killed in overnight strikes. More than half of the Palestinians killed in these strikes were in Gaza City.
The death count in Gaza is nearing 65,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. The ongoing conflict has forced over 238,000 Palestinians of approximately 1 million living in Gaza City to flee northern Gaza over the past month. This massive displacement has led to a severe strain on resources and infrastructure in neighbouring areas.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel's ground offensive in Gaza, calling it an "extension of the war of genocide" against the Palestinians. Qatar is incensed over an Israeli strike last week that killed five Hamas members and a local security official.
In an effort to alleviate some of the pressure, Israel will open another corridor along a road hugging Gaza's coastline for two hours to allow more people to evacuate. However, the strikes on the main network lines in northern Gaza have collapsed internet and telephone services, making communication and coordination of evacuation efforts difficult.
Amidst this crisis, a coalition of leading aid groups has urged the international community to take stronger measures to stop Israel's offensive on Gaza City. The world watches as the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution and an end to the suffering of the people of Gaza.
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