Israeli troops have entered northern Gaza to expand what they are calling a "security zone." This move comes shortly after Israel announced plans to take control of large areas in the southern part of Gaza.
On Thursday, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for the Shejaia neighborhood, which is on the outskirts of Gaza City. The military stated that civilians are being allowed to leave the area through organized routes. Many residents have been seen fleeing, carrying their belongings on foot, in vans, and on donkey carts.
This escalation follows Israeli forces consolidating their presence around the ruins of Rafah in southern Gaza. The situation has led to a massive displacement of people, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians leaving their homes in what is described as one of the largest exoduses of the ongoing conflict.
While the Israeli military has not clearly defined its long-term goals for the areas it is seizing, many residents believe that the intention is to permanently depopulate parts of Gaza. Palestinians have expressed concerns that Israel aims to displace them entirely, aligning with past proposals to transform the region into a resort area under U.S. control.
On the same day, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed over 100 people, including at least 27 who were sheltering in a school, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The Israeli military claims that the school was being used as a command center by Hamas, a claim that Hamas denies, insisting it does not operate among civilians.
The Israeli Defense Forces resumed their operations on March 18, ending a fragile two-month truce with Hamas. Israeli officials have stated that military actions will continue until the 59 hostages still held in Gaza are released. In response, Hamas has indicated that it will only consider freeing the captives if a deal is made to end the war permanently.