Background on Key Figures and Context
The Israeli military has issued a stern warning, pledging to employ “unprecedented force” in Gaza City as the ongoing conflict escalates into a humanitarian catastrophe in the devastated region of the Middle East.
This military offensive, which began on Tuesday, involves both ground and aerial attacks targeting Gaza City with the stated goal of “eliminating” the Islamist group Hamas. The trigger for this conflict was Hamas’s attack on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023, which precipitated the war.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, emphasized in an Arabic statement that the IDF will continue to act with “unprecedented force” against Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
Geopolitical Developments
This military escalation in Gaza City coincides with the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Western powers like France and the UK have announced their intention to recognize Palestine as a state. Portugal also declared its recognition of the Palestinian state just before the assembly’s commencement.
Humanitarian Impact
The conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation within the already ravaged territory. Since Israel announced its offensive in Gaza City, a large number of Palestinians have been fleeing southward on foot or in makeshift carts pulled by donkeys.
According to the Gaza Civil Defense, operating under Hamas’s authority, approximately 450,000 people have left Gaza City since late August. Meanwhile, the Israeli military estimates that around 480,000 Palestinians have abandoned the city.
However, for many, the evacuation journey is simply too expensive, and they lack clear destinations. Sami Baroud, a 35-year-old displaced person, shared his struggle with AFP: “We’ve lost everything—our lives, our future, our sense of security. How can I evacuate when I can’t even afford transportation?”
Fatalities and Evacuation Challenges
Hospital reports in Gaza, as shared with AFP, indicate that Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 41 deaths across the Gaza Strip on Friday, including 11 fatalities in Gaza City.
On Wednesday, Israel announced the opening of a temporary evacuation route via the Salah al Din road, but warned that it would only remain accessible until Friday midday. The IDF spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, confirmed that this major north-south road had closed to southbound traffic.
Currently, the only possible route to the south is via Al Rashid Street.
Allegations of “Genocide” and Evacuation Risks
The military offensive in Gaza City, backed by the United States, coincided with the release of an independent commission’s report commissioned by the UN on Tuesday.
The commission accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the Palestinian territory and held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials accountable. Israel dismissed these allegations, calling the report “biased and false.”
Beyond the high cost, Gaza’s population faces the perils of evacuating amidst ongoing bombardments.
Jaled al Majdalawi, a 32-year-old displaced person, shared his struggle with AFP: “We’ve been trying to evacuate southward for days, but we haven’t found any transportation.” He described the bombing as “intense and continuous.”
Nivin Ahmed, 50, fled to Deir al Balah in central Gaza with seven family members on Thursday. “My youngest son was exhausted, and we took turns pushing a small cart with some belongings,” she explained, noting they walked “over 15 km.”
Mona Abdel Karim, 36, failed to secure transportation and spent two nights sleeping along the Al Rashid coastline, waiting for a driver. “I feel like I’m about to snap,” she said. “We can’t walk—my in-laws are elderly and sick, and the children are too weak to walk long distances.”
Origins of the Conflict
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Islamist commandos killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official sources. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in at least 65,174 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, as per figures from the territory’s health ministry, which the UN deems reliable.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation in Gaza? The Israeli military has vowed to use “unprecedented force” in Gaza City amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with approximately 480,000 Palestinians having fled the city.
- Who is involved in the conflict? The conflict began with an attack by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023, triggering a retaliatory campaign by Israel that has resulted in numerous civilian casualties on both sides.
- What are the geopolitical implications? Several Western powers, including France and the UK, plan to recognize Palestine as a state during the upcoming UN General Assembly, while Portugal has already announced its recognition.
- What challenges do Palestinians face during evacuation? Evacuees struggle with the high cost of transportation and ongoing bombardments, forcing many to walk long distances on foot.
- What accusations have been leveled against Israel? An independent UN commission accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Palestinian territories, a claim Israel has denied.
- What are the origins of this conflict? The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas commandos attacked Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and triggering Israel’s retaliatory campaign.
