The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated with an alarming death toll of 2,800 people. As the war enters its seventh day, Israel seems to be preparing for a ground offensive, causing widespread panic among the residents of Gaza.
Key developments:
- Approximately 1.1 million people in northern Gaza received evacuation orders to move south. This massive evacuation has sent shockwaves through an already distressed populace.
- International aid groups highlight a growing humanitarian crisis. Gaza’s 2.3 million residents face severe shortages due to an Israeli blockade preventing supplies from Egypt.
- With the only power plant in Gaza shut down due to fuel scarcity, Palestinians are desperate for basic necessities.
- The morgue at Gaza’s primary hospital is overwhelmed with casualties.
- Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, when Hamas began its assault, there have been thousands of rocket attacks and violent incursions, including an attack on an outdoor music festival.
Ground offensive by Israel?
- Israel’s military evacuation orders affect nearly half of Gaza’s population. This move could signal an impending ground offensive. Israel has already set up a training base replicating Gaza’s urban environment for this purpose.
- A ground offensive might result in even higher casualties and intense street combat with Hamas, who’ve prepared with tunnels and traps.
Hamas response:
- Countering Israel’s evacuation directive, Hamas urged Palestinians to remain in their homes, condemning what they call a “psychological war.”
On-the-ground reports:
- Gaza City was in chaos, with most unaware of the direct evacuation orders due to communication breakdowns. Inas Hamdan from the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency described the situation as chaotic, with UN staff being told to move south.
- Nebal Farsakh from the Palestinian Red Crescent emphasized the logistical impossibility of safely evacuating over a million people under the current circumstances.
International reactions:
- Police in Belgium’s Antwerp evacuated its Central Station due to a suspicious package, indicating heightened alerts worldwide.
- Egypt voiced concerns over a potential mass influx of migrants due to the conflict.
- India successfully repatriated over 200 nationals from Israel, with many more waiting to return.
- US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is in the Middle East, aiming to prevent the conflict from widening and supporting diplomatic efforts.
- Nepal also repatriated over 200 of its nationals and is grieving the loss of 10 students in the conflict.
- A top Philippine security official called for Hamas to be designated as a terrorist organization, in solidarity with Israel.