The Israeli military has told everyone in Gaza City to leave their homes. This order comes as a new push is planned for the area. The goal is to take control of Gaza’s biggest city, a place with about one million residents.
This military move is part of a larger strategy. Israel aims to secure the entire Gaza Strip. This plan has worried people all over the world. They are concerned about the lives of civilians in the territory.
Taking Gaza City would make the already tough peace talks even harder. These talks have been stuck for nearly two years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel must finish its mission. He insists they have no other option. He claims Hamas refuses to give up its weapons.
Hamas has a different view. They say they will not disarm. This will only happen if an independent Palestinian state is formed. So, the two sides remain far apart.
Many global observers warn against Israel’s plan. They believe it could make a terrible situation even worse. Millions of people in Gaza already struggle for food. This new operation could deepen the humanitarian crisis for 2.2 million residents. Efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to get a ceasefire have failed. They also could not secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023. Hamas attacked across the border, killing around 1,200 people. They also took 251 hostages. Israel says it now controls more than 75% of Gaza. They report 48 hostages are still in Gaza. Israeli officials believe 20 of these are still alive.
On the other side, Gaza’s Health Ministry shares a grim tally. Israeli attacks have killed over 62,000 Palestinians. Almost everyone living there has lost their home. A large part of Gaza lies in ruins.
Source: Reuters