Tens of thousands forced to flee again as Israel expands its ground offensive in southern, central Gaza
Gaza (Quds News Network) – In the wake of intensified Israeli assaults in central Gaza, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are once again fleeing towards the south.
Over the past 24 hours, the besieged enclave witnessed more than 180 casualties, as the occupying Israeli army expanded its offensive in the Khan Yunis region in southern Gaza.
Previously sheltering those displaced from the north, this region has now become a focal point for Israel’s ground assault.
Tragically, Israeli shelling near El Amal hospital in the city claimed the lives of 41 people in the past two days, including displaced individuals seeking shelter. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported the casualties, emphasizing the grim impact of repeated Israeli attacks near the medical facility.
The United Nations humanitarian office revealed that approximately 100,000 more displaced individuals have sought refuge in the already overcrowded southern border city of Rafah. This influx follows the escalation of fighting around Deir el-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Yunis to its south.
Earlier in the week, Israeli occupation forces ordered Palestinians out of crowded central districts, leading to a significant displacement. Many sought shelter in Deir el-Balah, where attacks have intensified, forcing residents to set up makeshift tents on open ground.
Amidst these dire circumstances, Um Hamdi, a displaced woman, shared the hardships faced by families enduring the harsh conditions. “We suffered a lot. We had the whole night without shelter, under rain and it was cold, we were with our kids and elderly women,” she recounted.
In another heartbreaking account, Abdel Nasser Awadallah spoke of losing family members, including children buried in a devastating attack.
“I buried my children, a child 16-year-old, another one aged 18. Something I really can’t believe, I buried my children at 6:00 am while their bodies were still warm. Also my nephew was two years old, I buried him, I buried my wife,” he sorrowfully expressed.
Notably, the Maghazi refugee camp witnessed one of the deadliest attacks on Christmas Eve, with the official death toll standing at 90. However, residents insist that the actual figure is much higher, as entire residential blocks were wiped out during Israel’s military offensive since October 7.
The United Nations reports that over 90 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced, with many enduring multiple displacements.
Cramped shelters and makeshift tents around the southern city of Rafah have become the reality for those fleeing the ongoing Israeli assault, even as the border with Egypt faces its share of Israeli attacks.
