Israel has ordered the entire population of Gaza City to leave as its forces prepare to capture the north of the Gaza Strip. Israeli airstrikes continue to destroy structures, with the army currently asserting control over 40% of the city, denoting it as Hamas's 'last important stronghold.' Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that approximately 100,000 people had left Gaza City; however, estimates suggest that up to a million still inhabit the city, with many claiming they cannot afford to depart.
Residents like Ammar Sukkar have openly declared their intention to remain, challenging Netanyahu’s claims. 'Whether you like it or not, Netanyahu, we're not leaving,' he said, emphasizing his connection to the land amid ongoing violence.
Conditions for those remaining are dire, with reports of insufficient resources and overcrowded shelters in the proposed evacuation zones further south where the Israeli army has suggested aid will be available. The International Committee of the Red Cross described the evacuation plan as 'unfeasible,' expressing concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support the mass relocation.
Israel has indicated that new aid distribution sites are being established in southern Gaza, but there are fears based on past experiences, where similar operations resulted in heavy casualties during attempts to access aid. Many residents express distrust in the safety of evacuation routes and insist on the necessity of staying; they cite both financial constraints and a deep-rooted sense of belonging to their homeland.
As the conflict escalates, with rising casualty counts, residents remain resolute, underscoring the complexities of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Residents like Ammar Sukkar have openly declared their intention to remain, challenging Netanyahu’s claims. 'Whether you like it or not, Netanyahu, we're not leaving,' he said, emphasizing his connection to the land amid ongoing violence.
Conditions for those remaining are dire, with reports of insufficient resources and overcrowded shelters in the proposed evacuation zones further south where the Israeli army has suggested aid will be available. The International Committee of the Red Cross described the evacuation plan as 'unfeasible,' expressing concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support the mass relocation.
Israel has indicated that new aid distribution sites are being established in southern Gaza, but there are fears based on past experiences, where similar operations resulted in heavy casualties during attempts to access aid. Many residents express distrust in the safety of evacuation routes and insist on the necessity of staying; they cite both financial constraints and a deep-rooted sense of belonging to their homeland.
As the conflict escalates, with rising casualty counts, residents remain resolute, underscoring the complexities of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
