Israel Opens New Route for Gaza Civilians as Fighting Intensifies
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it will open an additional evacuation route for 48 hours, allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza City as the army intensifies efforts to clear civilians and confront thousands of Hamas fighters.
Despite the order, hundreds of thousands of people remain in Gaza City. Many are reluctant to leave due to dangers along the route, severe shortages in the south, and fears of permanent displacement.
“Even if we want to leave Gaza City, is there any guarantee we would be able to come back? Will the war ever end? That’s why I prefer to die here, in Sabra, my neighbourhood,” said Ahmed, a schoolteacher.
Local health officials reported at least 63 people killed on Wednesday across the Gaza Strip, most in Gaza City. The Palestinian death toll has now surpassed 65,000 since the war began in October 2023, though officials say the actual figure is higher due to bodies trapped under rubble.
Among the latest victims were 13 people, including journalist Mohammad Alaa Al-Sawalhi, who medics said were killed while complying with Israel’s evacuation orders. Another five people were killed near an aid site in Rafah. Tanks Edge Forward as Israel Warns War Will Take Months
Israeli tanks advanced slightly into Gaza City from three directions but no major breakthrough was reported. An Israeli official said the operation aims to pressure civilians to leave and that fighting will intensify in the coming weeks.
Israel estimates 400,000 civilians remain in Gaza City, with the army expecting about 100,000 to stay even as battles continue. Officials acknowledged the assault could last months unless a ceasefire deal is reached with Hamas, though prospects appear slim after Israel struck Hamas leaders in Doha last week, straining ties with mediator Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to target Hamas leaders “anywhere,” defying global criticism, including from the United States.
Children’s Hospital Hit, UN Accuses Israel of Genocide
The Hamas-run Health Ministry said an Israeli drone dropped grenades on the Rantissi children’s hospital on Wednesday. No casualties were reported, but dozens of families evacuated sick children. Aid groups condemned the strike, stressing the hospital treats children with cancer, kidney failure, and life-threatening illnesses.
Meanwhile, a U.N. Commission of Inquiry declared that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel rejected as “scandalous” and “fake.”
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Leaflets dropped over Gaza urged residents to use the reopened Salahudin Road before Friday noon. However, civilians continue to flee amid chaos, some on foot or donkey carts.
Much of Gaza City was devastated in 2023, but around 1 million people returned to live among the ruins. Forcing them south risks worsening the hunger crisis in overcrowded camps.
“Gaza is being wiped out. A city that is thousands of years old is being erased in front of the whole cowardly world,” Ahmed, the teacher, lamented.
The United Nations and aid groups continue to condemn the offensive, warning that no place is safe in Gaza.
