Thousands of Palestinians Flee Southern Gaza Amid Escalating Israeli Attacks

Gaza Strip, The Gulf Observer: Thousands of Palestinians fled southern Gaza’s main city of Khan Younis early Monday, following warnings from Israel of an imminent military assault. The evacuation orders come in the wake of one of the deadliest strikes in more than ten months of ongoing conflict.

According to AFP journalists on the ground, hundreds of residents were seen fleeing northern neighborhoods of Khan Younis, an area already heavily damaged by months of continuous bombardment. Israel’s military distributed leaflets and sent mobile phone messages in the early hours, urging residents in the Jalaa district to evacuate immediately, citing “dangerous combat” operations in the area. This district had previously been designated as a humanitarian safe zone.

The evacuation orders are reminiscent of previous major military incursions, which have repeatedly forced Palestinians, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times during the conflict, to seek refuge in safer areas. The situation has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where resources are already stretched thin.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that in the past few days alone, more than 75,000 people have been displaced in southwest Gaza. The agency has expressed growing concern over the escalating displacement and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

As the conflict continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with no end in sight to the ongoing hostilities.