Israeli troops push into Gaza City, forcing Palestinians to flee their assault
The Israeli assault has already reduced a large part of the enclave in rubble and has now killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to the Ministry of Health.
But thousands of people remain in place, not knowing where to find security after being moved several times during the conflict, which started with the terrorist attacks led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 were killed and around 250 hostages taken.
“It is better to die here, crying in Gaza, than walking in exile,” said Ahmed Helles, 54, father of eight children, sitting next to the ruins of his house.
He added, “Why should I leave?” Gaza is unlivable now. This is exactly what the occupation wants – to erase this city, to overthrow its towers and its houses, to empty people. I will not give them this victory. ”
Nearby, Ibrahim Salamat, 48, father of six, explained why he had stayed. “I have no money to leave. I go from street to street, escaping the bombardments on foot, transporting my children in slightly safer corners. However, I am still in Gaza. I don’t know if I will never get to the south. ”
A coalition of aid groups urged the international community to take stronger measures to stop the offensive on Wednesday, one day after an independent United Nations commission concluded that Israel commits a genocide in Gaza – an accusation that the American ally rejected as “distorted and false”.
“What we are witnessing in Gaza is not only an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, but what the United Nations Commission of Inquiry has now concluded is a genocide,” said the declaration of aid groups. “States must use all the political, economic and legal tools available available to them to intervene. Rhetoric and half of the measures are not sufficient. This moment requires decisive action. “
The declaration was signed by managers of more than 20 assistance organizations operating in Gaza, including the Norwegian refugee council and except children.
The Gaza City Al-Rrand Children’s Hospital was bombed on Tuesday three consecutive times, said Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, director general of the Ministry of Health, each strike occurring in the minutes after the last.
An 11 -year -old Palestinian girl, Marah Haddad, was rescued by civil defense teams after being trapped for almost 10 hours under rubble after an Israeli strike in a residential area of Sheva Square. She was transferred to the Baptist hospital in Gaza City for treatment.
The offensive has also raised concerns about the safety of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
“I cannot breathe to look at the fights inside Gaza City,” said Noa Argamani, the Israeli hostage released in a kidnapped hostage of a music festival during the October 7 attack and was held in Gaza in June 2024.
“I pray that this operation ends quickly, and that each soldier and each hostage returns to the house in healthy and healthy,” she posted on X.
