New wave of forced displacement in northern Gaza

(Patria) - A new wave of forced displacement is underway in the northern part of Gaza City, as thousands of Palestinian families flee under intense Israeli bombardment and renewed evacuation orders, Anadolu reports.

Anadolu correspondents on the ground reported on Thursday that Palestinians are moving south from Gaza City and the northern enclave. The new wave of displacement followed an escalation of airstrikes by the Israeli military and the issuance of forced evacuation orders for residents in these areas.

Dozens of families were seen leaving their homes on foot or using primitive vehicles under severe humanitarian conditions, with limited access to food, water, or safe routes.

The displacement is accompanied by widespread destruction of infrastructure, further exacerbating the suffering of those trying to reach safer areas. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that such policies of forced displacement may constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The moves on the ground come after the Israeli cabinet approved a plan for the reoccupation of Gaza City at a meeting, which was confirmed on Friday, August 22, by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Reports indicate that the plan envisions forcing nearly one million Palestinians south, encircling Gaza City, and conducting ground attacks on residential neighborhoods. This follows a broader plan presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and approved by the government on August 8, for the gradual reoccupation of the entire Gaza Strip, starting with its largest city.

The military campaign, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a severe humanitarian catastrophe. According to Palestinian health authorities, nearly 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks so far, and 158,927 wounded. The majority of victims are children and women. More than 9,000 people are listed as missing, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.