Tens of Thousands Flee Gaza City as Israel Reduces Aid
Tens of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing Gaza City as fears grow over an impending Israeli military takeover. Reports indicate that Israel is preparing to halt humanitarian aid in a bid to dismantle Hamas, the governing body in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to cease airdrops and reduce the number of aid trucks entering the northern Gaza Strip in the coming days, according to a report from KAN, Israel’s public broadcaster, cited by the Jerusalem Post.
The situation escalates as Israel intensifies military airstrikes as part of an operation aimed at evacuating an estimated 1 million Palestinians from Gaza City before a planned full-scale invasion in mid-September. Over the past week, approximately 23,000 people have reportedly fled the area, as confirmed by the United Nations.
Gaza City Declared a Combat Zone
Israel has officially designated Gaza City as a “dangerous combat zone,” labeling it a stronghold for Hamas. Military officials reported that on Saturday, seven Israeli soldiers sustained injuries when their armored vehicle struck an explosive device in the Zeitoun neighborhood, highlighting the escalating conflict. The situation remains precarious as Hamas has warned that Israeli hostages are being held alongside their fighters, increasing the risk of civilian casualties as Israeli operations intensify.
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated, “They will remain with our fighters in the places of confrontation, exposed to the same risks.” He also cautioned that the current military actions might lead to more Israeli soldiers being captured by Hamas. The group has threatened to publicly disclose the names and images of hostages killed during the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) operations.
As of now, 48 hostages are believed to be in Hamas custody, with around 20 still thought to be alive. The situation prompts urgent discussions among Israeli defense officials, who are reportedly advocating for a ceasefire and a hostage release proposal during a cabinet meeting. This proposal follows a similar ceasefire agreement that was rejected by Hamas earlier this year.
Hostage Families Demand Action
Amid rising tensions, families of the hostages took to the streets on Saturday night, urging the Israeli government to negotiate a ceasefire to facilitate the return of their loved ones. Zahiro Shahar Mor, a nephew of hostage Avraham Munder, expressed the emotional turmoil during a rally in Tel Aviv, asserting, “Netanyahu, if another living hostage comes back in a bag, it will not only be the hostages and their families who pay the price. You will bear responsibility for premeditated murder.”
Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to eradicate Hamas and secure the release of all remaining hostages in an effort to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. The situation continues to develop, with humanitarian concerns mounting as the international community watches closely.
