Residents of Gaza City are urged to evacuate in anticipation of an imminent military operation by Israel
In the troubled region of Gaza City, the United Nations (UN) has declared a state of famine, with an estimated 900,000 people still residing within its boundaries. This grim situation unfolds amidst ongoing negotiations between Hamas and international powers, as well as the looming threat of a military offensive.
Last month, Hamas agreed to a temporary ceasefire and proposed a staggered release of hostages, a decision that followed the militant group's seizure of over 250 hostages during the October 2023 attack on Israel. However, Israel has insisted on the immediate release of all hostages, alongside the disarmament of Hamas and the relinquishment of control over Gaza.
Amidst this turmoil, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a charitable organisation supported by Israel and the USA, is actively working to provide food supplies for the population in Al-Mawasi, a humanitarian zone proclaimed by the Israeli army in southern Gaza. This zone, located on Gaza's southern coast, is equipped with field hospitals, water pipelines, desalination facilities, food supplies, tents, medicines, and medical equipment.
Relief efforts in Al-Mawasi will continue in cooperation with the UN and international organisations, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the displaced population. However, the Israeli military has not ruled out the possibility of carrying out strikes in Al-Mawasi, claiming that Hamas fighters often hide among civilians in the area.
President Donald Trump is deeply involved in negotiations with Hamas over the captives being held in Gaza. Trump has urged Hamas to release all hostages immediately for better outcomes, as he believes over 30 bodies may be involved in the hostage situation, implying some hostages may have already perished.
The Israeli army has called for Gaza City residents to evacuate to Al-Mawasi before a planned offensive to capture the territory's largest urban center. However, residents of Gaza City express a sense of despair, believing it makes little difference whether they stay or flee due to ongoing bombings and deaths.
Israel expects the offensive to displace a million people further south, prompting the UN to issue a warning of a potential "disaster" if the assault proceeds. The military has not provided a timeline for the assault and has previously stated it would not be announced in advance to maintain the element of surprise.
As the situation in Gaza City remains precarious, the international community continues to pressure all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution and avoid further loss of life.
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