Israeli Forces Advance in Gaza City as Displacement Order Sparks Humanitarian Alarm

Lead: Israeli troops dropped leaflets in Gaza City’s Nasser district on Thursday warning residents to evacuate ahead of an expected ground assault, as airstrikes across the territory killed at least 18 people and drove fresh waves of displacement.

Nut Graf: The evacuation warning, issued amid intensified Israeli military operations targeting Hamas infrastructure, underscores the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With shortages of food, shelter and safe corridors, hundreds of thousands face bleak choices between staying under fire or venturing into already overcrowded areas.

“Deadly Quest for Food”

Airstrikes and artillery shelling killed 18 Palestinians on Thursday-11 in Gaza City, five at the Beach refugee camp and two near Rafah-as families risked foraging for supplies under fire. Medical workers report that malnutrition is claiming lives on top of bombardment casualties, deepening Gaza’s hunger crisis.

Leaflets Signal Ground Invasion

Late Wednesday, Israeli forces air-dropped leaflets over Nasser, advising residents to move southward in preparation for a full-scale push into western Gaza City. The warning marks an escalation after tanks briefly entered Sheikh Radwan and other eastern neighborhoods this week.

Aid Shortages and Safety Concerns

International agencies note that hundreds of aid trucks enter Gaza daily, but officials say this falls short of needs amid growing displacement. Many evacuees lack funds or transport to reach supposed safe zones, and overcrowding in southern areas exacerbates disease and malnutrition risks.

Diplomatic Fallout and Ceasefire Uncertainty

Ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar have stalled after an Israeli strike in Doha on Tuesday targeted Hamas political leaders, dimming prospects for a truce. Regional actors, including Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., condemned the Doha attack, while Amnesty International labeled Gaza City’s mass evacuation order “unlawful and inhumane”.

Human Cost and Destruction

Since October 2023, more than 64,000 Palestinians-mostly civilians-have died in Israeli operations, and critical infrastructure lies in ruins. The relentless campaign has left Gaza City’s skyline scarred by collapsed towers and displaced families scrambling for safety and basic necessities.

Key Points:

  • Israeli military warns Gaza City residents to evacuate via leaflet drops.
  • At least 18 Palestinians killed in air and ground strikes on Thursday.
  • Humanitarian agencies decry insufficient aid and worsening displacement.
  • Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire stalled after strike on Hamas in Qatar.
  • Gaza’s civilian toll exceeds 64,000 since conflict began in October 2023.