More than a million people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes amidst scenes of chaos and desperation, as Israel intensifies its bombardment of the Hamas-controlled territory. The Israeli military continues to amass troops along the border in preparation for a possible full-scale ground invasion.
The conflict began after Hamas fighters breached the heavily fortified border on October 7, leading to a series of attacks that claimed the lives of over 1,400 people, the majority of whom were civilians. In response to one of the deadliest attacks in its history, Israel launched a sustained and devastating bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 2,670 people, mostly civilians.
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In the wake of an Israeli directive to relocate to the southern regions of Gaza, people in the north of the enclave have been forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter wherever they can find it, including on the streets and in UN-run schools. Families have been seen carrying their belongings in bags, suitcases, and makeshift vehicles, painting a bleak picture of displacement and suffering.
Mona Abdel Hamid, a 55-year-old resident who had to flee Gaza City to Rafah in the southern part of the enclave, lamented, “No electricity, no water, no internet. I feel like I’m losing my humanity.”
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US President Joe Biden, in an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” acknowledged the need to deal with extremist elements but cautioned against a full-scale Israeli occupation of Gaza, deeming it a “big mistake.”
Israel, still reeling from the devastating attacks and hostage situations that targeted its citizens, has amassed its forces outside the long-blockaded Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, indicated that a “significant ground operation” involving land, air, and sea attacks is being prepared.
“We are at the beginning of intense or enhanced military operations in Gaza City,” he warned. Civilians have been advised to evacuate for their safety.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to Israel following a crisis tour of Middle Eastern countries aimed at preventing a broader regional crisis. While Israel seeks to respond to the brutal attack and hostage situation, the Arab League and African Union have issued warnings that a ground invasion could lead to “a genocide of unprecedented proportions.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern, warning that the entire region stands “on the verge of the abyss” as the conflict escalates. The situation remains fluid, with international efforts underway to bring about a ceasefire and prevent further suffering.
SOURCE: AFP/ VARIOUS
