The situation in central Gaza has sparked a mass movement of Palestinians following orders from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to relocate to south Gaza's Deir el-Balah area.
Muhammad Al-Fajar, a resident of central Gaza, shared his distress, citing an IDF attack that injured his wife, forcing them to move to a new camp. The weariness and helplessness among the residents are palpable, especially along Salah al-Din street, the entry point to the Bureij refugee camp, where Palestinians seek refuge.
Al-Fajar mentioned the tragic shooting of individuals attempting to flee to the Bureij camp by IDF forces, underscoring the immense risk faced by those seeking safety. His own family, including his wife and four children, is making the journey on foot to the new camp amid the looming threat of imminent attacks.
Internally Displaced People (IDP) are loading essential belongings onto trucks and donkey carts, such as mattresses, bedding, and kitchen utensils, as they embark on the journey toward south Gaza.
The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel from November 24 to December 1 saw the release of 105 hostages by Hamas, but 129 remain in captivity. Concerns persist about the well-being of these captives, with fears that some may have perished.
The dire situation extends to thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails without trials or access to legal counsel, a concern raised by the Palestinian Prisoners Club, which reported over 4,655 arrests in the occupied West Bank since October 7.
Tensions between Hamas and Israel have escalated, prompting Israel's ground offensive in Gaza on October 27 after an initial attack by Hamas that reportedly resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the hostage-taking of over 200.
Tragically, since the conflict began, the toll on Palestinians has been devastating, with over 20,057 fatalities, predominantly children and women, and 52,286 Palestinians injured. The ongoing hostilities have led to a dire humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering among the civilian population.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | IDF Demolishes House Belonging to Hamas Leader Deif
