Workers in northern Gaza have been informed by the Israeli military that hospitals will be considered protected sites and other aid infrastructure could be targeted.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly informed aid workers via messages and conversations seen by the Guardian that an order for “all Gaza residents” to leave Gaza City, applies to all humanitarian locations, excluding hospitals. They warned that Israeli forces will operate with high intensity and “defeat Hamas”.
On Friday, the IDF announced the expansion of operations in Gaza City and targeted “Hamas infrastructure”. Despite roughly 250,000-500,000 out of the city’s 1 million residents having fled, some displaced Palestinians expressed a lack of means to leave due to the stress caused by the conflict.
The cost of transportation for the gruelling 6-8 hour journey south has soared, reaching up to $2,000.
Toufic Abu Mouawad, who left a displacement camp on the outskirts of the city with no other place to go, described the dire situation, “The situation is really bad. All night long, the tank was firing shells. I want to flee with the boys, the girls, the children. This is the situation we are living in. It is a very tragic situation.”
The Israeli government is creating a “humanitarian zone” in the overcrowded, undeveloped al-Mawasi area, by constructing aid distribution sites and providing essential utilities.
Most northern areas of Gaza are now deserted and in ruins after 23 months of conflict. The new Israeli campaign is expected to further devastate Gaza City, leading to the entire population being potentially confined to a small southern area.
Gazans face an emotional dilemma over returning to their ruined homes, with many doubt about their future there.
Two new aid distribution centers have been set up by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation near the southern border with Egypt. Although they initially operated five sites, three have closed.
Maximal entry restrictions by Israel severely hinder aid. Despite 250 trucks bringing essentials daily, it’s a fraction of what is needed.
Some believe political motives underlie the intensified Israeli campaign, including preventing early elections that could weaken Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and ensuring northern Gaza becomes uninhabitable, appealing to Netanyahu’s right-wing supporters.
This could also encourage Palestinians to leave Gaza permanently according to some observers. Israeli authorities have provided advice to Palestinians wishing to leave and some have labeled Gaza as a lucrative real estate opportunity.
