Israel Accelerates Efforts to ‘Depopulate’ Northern Gaza Ahead of Possible Ceasefire

Israel Accelerates Efforts to ‘Depopulate’ Northern Gaza Ahead of Possible Ceasefire
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Israel is reportedly rushing to “depopulate” northern Gaza before a potential ceasefire agreement, Anadolu Agency reported. The Israeli military is intensifying its campaign to destroy remaining infrastructure and force Palestinians out of combat zones in northern Gaza, aiming to prevent their return in the future.

Since May, Operation Gideon’s Chariots has focused on evacuating Palestinians from northern Gaza and confining them to three isolated coastal areas: western Gaza City, west of the central governorate, and west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. These zones constitute only about 15% of Gaza’s total area, according to Palestinian estimates. Movement between these areas is restricted by Israeli bombing and gunfire.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have escalated attacks, including bombing four schools sheltering displaced families on June 30. This has further reduced habitable space, forcing many Palestinians to live in tents along the coastal strip under harsh conditions. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) estimates that 85% of Gaza is now either an Israeli military zone or under evacuation orders.

Palestinian residents report daily powerful explosions destroying homes, particularly in northern and eastern Gaza. Israeli media report plans for a large-scale military operation involving multiple divisions to fully control Gaza, encircle Gaza City, and consolidate gains.

These developments come as Israel prepares to resume indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Despite international calls for peace, the conflict has resulted in over 57,400 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, with ongoing accusations of war crimes against Israeli leadership.