Israel’s Escalation in Gaza Sparks Mass Displacement Amid Famine and U.S. Move Against Palestinian Officials
Israeli bombardments by air, land, and sea intensified across Gaza City on Friday after the military declared the enclave’s largest urban center a “dangerous combat zone.” Witnesses and local sources reported heavy strikes on eastern districts such as Al-Zaytoun, Al-Shuja’iya, and Al-Tuffah, as well as southern Al-Sabra and northern neighborhoods including Sheikh Radwan. Homes and infrastructure were leveled using explosive-laden robots, tanks, and artillery, forcing thousands to flee toward already overcrowded western districts or farther south.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned that up to one million people could be displaced again, with shelters already operating beyond 96% capacity. Gaza’s Government Media Office said evacuation was “virtually impossible,” citing relentless strikes across the strip and severe shortages of food, medicine, and clean water.
Israel’s state broadcaster Kan reported that authorities plan to halt airdrops of aid to Gaza City and restrict supplies to the north, part of an effort to pressure more than 800,000 residents to flee south ahead of an expanded ground assault. The army is expected to issue evacuation orders within 10 days.
Meanwhile, famine confirmed this month by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has spread through Gaza City. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that even aid workers are malnourished, with many surviving on one meal a day or sharing their food with children. “A lack of food kills more slowly, but just as surely as a bomb,” the organization said, urging immediate large-scale humanitarian access.
The ongoing war, now in its 22nd month, has killed over 63,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. Much of the territory has been reduced to rubble, while the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Amid this backdrop, the United States revoked visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority ahead of next month’s UN General Assembly, accusing them of inciting violence and pursuing “lawfare” against Israel. The move drew criticism as France, the UK, Canada, and Australia prepare to recognize a Palestinian state at the gathering.
