Gaza civilians are fleeing from northern Gaza, home to about 1.1 million people, to Southern Gaza by car, on the back of trucks, and on foot, along with their families and material possessions, following Israel’s military 24-hour warning to evacuate immediately.
Despite the UN’s advice to Israel to withdraw its order to avoid “devastating humanitarian consequences,” Israel remains undeterred in its resolve to “destroy” the terrorist group Hamas, which claimed the lives of 1,300 people in Israel.
Currently, Israel has deployed its soldiers near Gaza in preparation for the imminent ground offensive into the city. Furthermore, the embargo has exacerbated the shortage of fuel, food, and water resources. Israel has announced it will maintain the ban until Hamas releases all its hostages.
Hamas fighters are still holding at least 150 people hostage. Additionally, over 1,500 people in Gaza have been killed as a result of the Israeli military’s continuous retaliatory air strikes.
Although there have been rumors speculating that Lebanon’s militant group, Hezbollah, will participate in this conflict, it has so far remained quiet, adhering to its rules of engagement, stating it will only fire at Israel when Lebanese territory or its soldiers are attacked.
Meanwhile, America’s unwavering support for Israel’s military actions has faced criticism from some who see it as an endorsement of aggressive Israeli military operations in Gaza.