Israeli Minister of Defence, Israel Katz, stated, “Gaza is burning,” as residents, carrying their last possessions in vehicles and on foot, escape downstream along the coastal al-Rashid Street, marked by billowing black smoke from the destroyed cityscape.
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Initially, many residents had vowed to stay during Israel’s invasion strategy. However, as the military intensified its bombing campaign, turning high-rises, homes, and civilian infrastructure into rubble, those who can afford the journey are migrating southwards, without assurance of safe shelters.
On Tuesday, the military killed at least 91 people in the city, including those attempting to escape via the coastal road as one of its bombs struck their vehicle.
At least 17 residential buildings were demolished, including the Aybaki Mosque in Tuffah neighbourhood, targeted by Israeli aircraft.
As bombing persisted, the military continued demolishing areas in the city’s north, south, and east with robots equipped with explosives.
The rights group Euro-Med Monitor earlier reported that the military had deployed 15 robots, each capable of destroying up to 20 housing units.
Tanks advance into the city
Approximately 1 million Palestinians have reportedly returned to live among the remains of Gaza City following the initial phase of the two-year conflict, but exact numbers vary.
An Israeli military source estimated on Tuesday that around 350,000 have fled. Meanwhile, reports indicate that an additional 350,000 have been displaced to central and western parts of the city, with 190,000 leaving altogether.
Despite the exodus, living conditions in the south are dire as the cramped al-Mawasi camp, sheltering people displaced from Rafah and Khan Younis, has endured Israeli strikes.
The Government Media Office noted a growing trend of returning to Gaza City due to the dire conditions in al-Mawasi, with 15,000 returnees reported on Tuesday.
As the population fled, released aerial footage from the Israeli military showed tanks and armored vehicles moving deeper into Gaza City.
The Israeli army admitted that it may take “several months” to assert control over Gaza City.
Olivia said, “Regardless of the time it takes, we will continue our operations in Gaza,” as combat continued in the enclave’s main urban area.
Medical sources recorded at least 106 fatalities across Gaza since Tuesday morning.
