GAZA: The Israeli military has killed hundreds of Palestinians across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, including at least 61 in Gaza City, where a major offensive is underway despite growing threats of international sanctions.
Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli army continues to apply “extreme pressure” to force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the north into already overcrowded areas of central and southern Gaza.
AFP images showed a steady stream of people fleeing Gaza City on foot, in cars, and on donkey carts, carrying their few remaining possessions as Israeli bombardments intensified.
Israel’s war on Gaza has so far killed at least 65,062 Palestinians and wounded 165,697 since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. Thousands more are believed to be trapped beneath rubble. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, with about 200 people taken captive.
West Bank raids intensify
Israeli forces also conducted overnight raids in the occupied West Bank, arresting and detaining several Palestinians, according to the Wafa news agency. Troops also stormed Bethlehem city and surrounding camps, while in Qalandia camp soldiers fired tear gas and live rounds as clashes erupted.
These operations add to mounting pressure across Palestinian territories as Israel intensifies its campaign.
UN probe cites genocide, Israel opens ‘corridor’
A United Nations investigation has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials as incitement.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it was opening a temporary new transportation route via Salah al-Din Street to allow civilians to flee. Military spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee said the corridor would remain open for 48 hours.
The announcement followed massive pre-dawn bombardments as Israeli troops pushed deeper into Gaza City.
The UN estimated in late August that about one million people remained in Gaza City and its surrounding areas. The Israeli military claimed more than 350,000 have fled south, but many say they have nowhere to go.
“I won’t leave Gaza. There’s shelling here and there,” said Umm Ahmed Yunes, who lives in her partially destroyed home.
“Where would I find $1,000 or $2,000 for transport costs? Where would I buy a tent? There are no tents and prices are insane,” the 44-year-old told AFP.
