Thousands Flee Gaza City as Israeli Offensive Expands

Thousands of Palestinians are leaving Gaza City in fear, following Israel’s announcement that it has begun a major ground offensive aimed at occupying the city. Long lines of families can be seen traveling south with their belongings, moving by trucks, donkey carts, and even on foot. Many describe the journey as exhausting, costly, and filled with uncertainty.

Hospitals Under Attack

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital was struck three times in separate attacks. These strikes forced many patients and their families to flee, even though the hospital was supposed to be a safe place. Half of the patients were moved out urgently to protect them from further danger.

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The Israeli military responded by saying it was “looking into the reports” but added that it had already struck more than 150 “terror targets” in Gaza City over two days.

Israel’s Goal in the Offensive

Israel says its aim is to defeat up to 3,000 Hamas fighters still present in Gaza City, which it calls Hamas’ “last stronghold.” Another stated goal is to free the hostages held by Hamas since the October 2023 attack on Israel.

However, the ground offensive has drawn strong criticism from international leaders, aid groups, and human rights organizations. Many argue the destruction and loss of life are far too great.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

For days, thousands of Palestinians have been forced to leave Gaza City. They are traveling southward in any way possible—donkey carts, rickshaws, vehicles stacked high with furniture, and by walking for hours.

Until recently, the only evacuation route available was a coastal road leading to a so-called “humanitarian zone” in al-Mawasi, an area marked by Israel as a safer location. But this zone is already overcrowded. Families who arrived there found little or no space to pitch their tents, forcing some to return north.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced that it would open a second route—the Salah al-Din road. This central road was said to remain open for 48 hours, giving families another chance to flee.

The High Cost of Escape

Even though escape routes are open, many families say they cannot afford to move. Prices for transportation and shelter have skyrocketed. Renting a small truck now costs about 3,000 shekels ($900), and a tent for five people is priced at around 4,000 shekels.

One resident, 32-year-old Lina al-Maghrebi from Sheikh Radwan, shared her story. She explained that she was forced to sell her jewelry just to pay for the journey and a tent. “It took us 10 hours to reach Khan Younis, and we paid 3,500 shekels for the ride,” she said. “The line of cars and trucks seemed endless.”

Overcrowding in Humanitarian Zones

Aid groups and UN agencies warn that the so-called humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi cannot support the massive numbers of people arriving. Nearly two million Palestinians are expected to squeeze into this small strip of land, which lacks proper facilities, clean water, and food supplies.

Some families who did reach the area reported that they could not even find space for their tents and had no choice but to turn back.

How Many Have Fled?

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), about 350,000 people have already left Gaza City. However, the United Nations estimates the figure to be closer to 190,000 since August. Despite the large exodus, reports suggest at least 650,000 people are still trapped inside Gaza City.

Use of Remote-Controlled Vehicles

Reports in Israeli media suggest that the army is using old military vehicles filled with explosives. These vehicles are controlled remotely and sent into Hamas positions before being detonated.

Concerns of Hostage Families

Meanwhile, families of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas are voicing their fears. Around 20 of these hostages are believed to be alive. Relatives protested outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, warning that the ongoing offensive could put their loved ones at greater risk.

One relative, Macabit Mayer, whose nephews Gali and Ziv Berman are among the hostages, questioned the government’s actions. “All day long, you boast about killing and destruction. But who are you bringing these buildings down on? Could it be that you are bringing them down on Gali and Ziv, and all the others still trapped there?”

International Reactions

The offensive has drawn widespread condemnation across the world. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called Israel’s actions “totally and utterly unacceptable.” UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the offensive as “utterly reckless and appalling.”

On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave cautious support to Israel during a press conference with Netanyahu. He said the US would prefer a negotiated end to the war but added, “sometimes when you’re dealing with a group like Hamas, that’s not possible.”

UN Report Accuses Israel of Genocide

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry recently concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The report claimed that Israeli forces carried out sexual and gender-based violence, directly targeted children, and deliberately attacked cultural, religious, and educational sites.

Israel rejected the findings, calling them “distorted and false.”

The War’s Deadly Toll

Israel’s war in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.

Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports that at least 64,964 Palestinians have been killed. Almost half of them were women and children.

Famine and Warnings of Catastrophe

A UN-backed food security body has already declared famine in Gaza City. Aid groups say the current situation is unbearable, and if the offensive continues to intensify, civilians could face an even deeper humanitarian catastrophe.

The people of Gaza City continue to face unbearable hardships as the Israeli offensive intensifies. Families are forced to leave their homes with little more than what they can carry, many paying huge sums for rides and tents. Hospitals are under fire, humanitarian zones are overflowing, and hunger has already set in. International voices are growing louder, calling for an urgent end to the suffering. Yet, the war shows no signs of stopping, leaving ordinary civilians trapped in the middle of a conflict they did not choose.