In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, the Israeli military issued fresh evacuation warnings for central Gaza on Sunday, an area where ground operations have been relatively rare. This evacuation affects access between Deir al-Balah and the southern Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, which are critical routes within the narrow enclave.
The timing of this announcement coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, although international mediators report no significant progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that intensifying military actions in Gaza could pressure Hamas to engage in negotiations. However, these talks have remained at a standstill for several months.
The evacuation zone is also home to several international organizations that are currently attempting to distribute aid in the region. These organizations have not yet responded to the evacuation warnings. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee has warned of imminent and intense attacks against militants, urging residents, including those in temporary shelters, to relocate to the Muwasi area. This area, located on Gaza’s southern coast, has been designated by the Israeli military as a humanitarian zone.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with an estimated population of over 2 million Palestinians facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The conflict was reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of 251 individuals, of whom fifty are believed to still be alive—though less than half are thought to be safe.
Since the onset of Israel’s military offensive, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported the deaths of over 58,000 Palestinians, though the ministry does not specify how many of the deceased are militants. According to the ministry, more than half of the casualties have been women and children. The ministry operates under the Hamas government, yet many international organizations consider it the most reliable source for casualty statistics in the region.
The Hostages Family Forum, a grassroots organization representing the families of hostages, has publicly condemned the evacuation announcement. They demand clarification from Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli military regarding their objectives in central Gaza, accusing them of lacking a clear strategy in the war. The forum stated, “Enough! The Israeli people overwhelmingly want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will return all of the hostages.”
On Saturday night, during a weekly protest, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Tel Aviv, calling for an end to the conflict and highlighting the urgent need for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
