Thousands of Palestinians have fled eastern Gaza City, fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive. Israeli strikes continue to pound neighborhoods, as families head west and south for refuge, Reuters reports.
Israel said it planned to take control of the city, described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas' last major stronghold. Military officials warned that the incursion could endanger the remaining hostages and drag the army into a protracted guerrilla war. In Israel, tens of thousands protested, demanding an end to the fighting and the release of about 50 prisoners.
"The people in Gaza are like death row inmates awaiting execution," said Tamer Burai, a Gaza businessman. "I am moving my parents and family to the south today or tomorrow. I cannot risk losing any of them if there is a surprise invasion," he told "Reuters" via a chat app.
Egypt and Qatar have stepped up mediation for a new truce, described by sources in Cairo as a "last resort." Hamas has signaled a willingness to resume talks on a 60-day ceasefire proposed by the United States and a partial release of hostages, but has insisted on a broader agreement that includes a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. Israel, for its part, is demanding the release of all prisoners and the disarmament of the group, a demand that Hamas categorically rejects.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the enclave is worsening. The UN has reported that 1.35 million people are already in need of shelter, and local authorities say 1.5 million tents are needed. Israel has allowed the entry of only 120,000 between January and March. The Israeli military said it was preparing to help set up temporary shelters, but did not specify a timeframe or number.
"The existing tents where people live (in the south) are worn out and cannot protect people from rainwater. "There are no new tents in Gaza because of Israeli restrictions on aid at the border crossings," Palestinian economist Mohammad Abu Jayab told Reuters. He said some families from Gaza City had started renting properties and shelters in the south of the country and had moved in with their belongings. "Some people have learned from previous experiences and do not want to be surprised. Also, some think it is better to move earlier to find a place," Abu Jayab added. Since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 251, Israeli figures say more than 61,000 Palestinians have died in the ensuing campaign, according to health officials in Gaza. Most of the territory's 2.2 million residents have already been displaced. The Health Ministry also reported 263 deaths from hunger and malnutrition, including 112 children - figures disputed by Israel.