Israel-Hamas War: Tensions have escalated in the Gaza Strip as reports indicate that a staggering five lakh individuals have reportedly evacuated northern Gaza, according to the Israeli Army (IDF). IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus underscored the challenging situation in the region, stating that Hamas, the militant group in control, is impeding the safe departure of residents from the area.
According to Al Jazeera, more than 1,000 people are missing under the rubble of buildings in Gaza that were destroyed by Israeli air strikes, the Palestinian civil defence team said.
There were injured and dead among them, the team said in a statement, adding that many others were pulled alive out of the rubble, 24 hours after buildings were struck.
In an effort to facilitate civilian evacuation, the IDF has established two secure routes for people to leave the conflict-ridden zone. Colonel Conricus emphasized that as the military operation intensifies, the security risks for civilians remaining in Gaza City are mounting, prompting urgent appeals for their relocation.
Tragically, on the very path designated as a secure evacuation route, a devastating bomb explosion claimed the lives of 70 people on Friday. In response to inquiries regarding the explosion, Conricus reiterated the IDF’s firm stance against targeting civilians, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing collateral damage during the ongoing operation. However, he candidly acknowledged the complexity of preventing civilian casualties entirely, highlighting the unavoidable consequences of striking live targets, particularly high-ranking Hamas operatives.
Addressing the controversial evacuation order issued to 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza, the IDF spokesperson acknowledged the criticism received from various human rights organizations, including the United Nations, labeling the directive as ‘impossible.’ These organizations have condemned the mass displacement as an excessive and disproportionate measure, raising concerns about the plight of the displaced population and their access to essential resources and shelter in southern Gaza.
Acoording, to the report, amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, China is gearing up to host a significant Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum, drawing participation from representatives of 130 nations. As the international community appeals for intervention to reduce tensions, the summit is set against the backdrop of a more assertive Beijing.
Amidst the lineup of distinguished guests, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin stands prominently, marking his first diplomatic excursion to a major global power since his regime faced international condemnation following the Ukraine invasion.
Although China anticipates leveraging the forum to bolster its global influence, the prevailing focus remains on the persistent turmoil stemming from Israel’s military campaign against the Hamas militant organization, ensuring that the conflict retains its prominence in the global news sphere.
As of the current time, it is a little past 8:30 am (05:30 GMT) in both the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel.
Here’s a brief overview:
- President Biden has cautioned Israel, emphasizing that any move to occupy Gaza would constitute a significant error.
- Gaza officials have leveled allegations of a “war crime” against Israel, citing airstrikes that struck two civil defense headquarters, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including five emergency aid workers.
- The Rafah crossing linking Gaza and Egypt is scheduled to open at 9 am (06:00 GMT) on Monday, permitting the transit of foreign nationals into Egypt.
- The UN has reported that an estimated one million Gazans have been displaced, with the organization characterizing the situation in the blockaded enclave as “catastrophic.”
- Israeli air raids have resulted in the deaths of at least 2,670 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Hamas’s military operations have claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis.