Israeli Military Escalation Deepens Crisis: Gaza Evacuations, Flotilla Attacks, and Drone Strikes in Doha
As Israel announces a sweeping evacuation of Gaza City in preparation for a major ground offensive, tensions at sea and cross-border attacks are intensifying. An international flotilla delivering aid to Gaza reports drone strikes, while Israel conducts a drone assault on Hamas officials in Doha—raising concerns over expanding regional instability.
Israel’s military has ordered a complete evacuation of Gaza City ahead of a large-scale ground operation, urging residents to move south to a humanitarian zone, according to Anadolu Agency. Humanitarian groups warn that the move is likely to escalate the famine crisis, with limited transport and unsafe conditions impeding evacuation efforts. This news comes amid reports that only about 50,000 residents can afford to move to the designated Al-Mawasi zone, sparking widespread panic among Gaza’s one million inhabitants. The ground offensive follows weeks of intensive bombardment, drawing criticism from international observers.
Meanwhile, the Global Sumud Flotilla, seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza using civilian boats, has reported two drone strikes over the past 48 hours. The British-flagged ship’s main vessel has been reportedly hit while docked in Tunisia, though all crew members are reported safe. The flotilla, which includes participants from 44 countries, accused Israel of being responsible. However, Tunisian authorities have denied these claims, and the Tunisian Coast Guard has not commented publicly.
In an unprecedented move, Israel carried out a drone strike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas officials convening to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal, according to Al Arabiya and Reuters. While Israeli officials justified the strike as aimed at figures responsible for terror operations, Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and called it “cowardly.” The incident triggered global condemnation, including from Arab nations, and risks derailing ceasefire negotiations.
