Gaza, 14 October 2023 (TDI): In an escalating conflict, thousands of Palestinians in the northern part of the Gaza Strip fled their homes in anticipation of an Israeli ground assault. Israel, meanwhile, continued to conduct airstrikes in the area.
Israel had previously given the residents of the northern half of Gaza, which includes Gaza City, until Saturday morning to move south. They also announced plans to keep two main roads open for evacuees.
Reserve soldiers from the Israeli military were seen getting ready for the next stage of operations in various parts of the Gaza Strip, according to Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesperson.
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Airstrikes hit residential areas, and numerous homes were affected, leading hundreds of residents to seek refuge at nearby Quds hospital and plan to join others fleeing south.
This situation has caused great suffering among the Palestinian population. Many residents are torn between leaving their homes or staying and risking their lives.
In Khan Younis, an Israeli airstrike struck a four-story building, leaving several people dead and wounded. Palestinians were rushing to the scene to help rescue those trapped in the rubble.
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The United Nations (UN) estimated that tens of thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza have moved south following the Israeli order on Friday, adding to the 400,000 Gazans already displaced earlier in the week.
The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs raised concerns about the displacement, saying there were initial problems in providing safe corridors for people to move south.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. There are concerns about food security, access to clean water, shelter, and healthcare for the newly displaced people.
The UN also reported that it no longer considers UN premises in the northern part of Gaza to be protected.
Calls from various international bodies, including the UN have urged Israel to lift its total siege of Gaza, allowing essential aid to reach the affected population.
Also read: UN Human Rights Chief addresses Israel-Gaza Crisis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza to provide fuel, food, and water to those in need.
The United States (US) has called on Israel to avoid civilian casualties and has recognized the humanitarian crisis as a top priority.
US teams in the region have been working with various governments and the UN to address the situation. The ongoing conflict has led to heavy casualties among Palestinians, including many civilians.
The US acknowledges that the majority of Palestinians are not associated with Hamas and are suffering as a result of the ongoing hostilities.
It is essential to find a resolution to this escalating crisis to prevent further loss of life and human suffering in Gaza.
As the conflict continues, the global community is increasingly focused on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected population and bringing an end to the violence.
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