Evacuation Order Issued in Central Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

An evacuation order in Gaza raises concerns as the humanitarian crisis deepens, with ongoing violence intensifying.

The Israeli military has ordered an evacuation in a new area of central Gaza, sparking fear among Palestinians who have already faced multiple displacements during the ongoing 21-month conflict. Many have sought refuge in this area, particularly in Deir Al-Balah, which has so far been relatively unaffected by the violence ravaging the enclave. The Israeli military has not clarified whether this evacuation notice indicates an imminent ground operation or is intended to apply pressure on Hamas amid stalled ceasefire discussions.

According to the Gaza health ministry, the conflict has resulted in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, including a significant number of children, since it escalated following a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed around 1,200 lives and led to numerous hostages. Recent weeks have seen an alarming rise in violence, especially near aid distribution centers, where hunger has reached critical levels. On Saturday, at least 32 individuals were reportedly killed when Israeli forces opened fire near a distribution site operated by a US-backed organization, causing further grief among already devastated families.