In a deepening humanitarian crisis, thousands of Palestinians have evacuated eastern Gaza City amid fears of an impending Israeli ground offensive, exacerbating the plight of a population already ravaged by 22 months of war. Residents, many displaced multiple times since October 7, 2023, are moving westward and southward, with reports of 995 families fleeing Beit Lahiya alone. The United Nations estimates 1.35 million people need emergency shelter, but only limited tents have entered Gaza, leaving families vulnerable to harsh conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled Gaza City as Hamas’ last urban stronghold, prompting international alarm. Protests in Israel and Gaza demand an end to the conflict, which has claimed over 62,000 Palestinian lives, including 1,965 killed near aid sites, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Five more died from malnutrition in the past day, raising the starvation toll to 263. Israel disputes these figures but has not provided alternatives.
Ceasefire mediators Egypt and Qatar intensified efforts, with Hamas receiving a new proposal for a 60-day truce and phased hostage release. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed Cairo’s readiness to join a UN-backed international force in Gaza, conditional on a political horizon for Palestinian statehood. Qatar’s Prime Minister visited Egypt to pressure both sides.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa emphasized reactivating institutions under the Palestinian Authority, rejecting new entities. Amidst diplomatic deadlock, Hamas rejects disarmament demands, while Israel insists on full hostage release.
