Over 400,000 individuals have evacuated as a ground invasion by continues into the devastated territory. However, hundreds of thousands chose to stay, hesitant to relocate southward even with extreme food shortages and constant airstrikes.
Aerial assaults have flattened numerous tall structures throughout the city and resulted in dozens of deaths recently, as Israeli forces got ready for their ground offensive. Hospital authorities reported sixteen fatalities from overnight strikes, which also targeted Gaza City’s al-Rantisi children’s hospital.
The Israeli military initiated its newest operation targeting what it labeled the “primary stronghold of Hamas,” facing strong international condemnation.
The ground campaign commenced on Tuesday, following a determination by the United Nations Independent International that Israel has perpetrated . Israel rejected the findings, asserting the report “is based solely on Hamas fabrications.”
Civilians have been instructed by the Israeli military to relocate southward to a “humanitarian area.” Reports indicate a coastal route leading south is congested with families evacuating by vehicle or on foot. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands of non-combatants stay in the city, discouraged by concerns about congestion in southern Gaza, severe living situations, expensive travel, ill health, and the possibility of enduring displacement.
An additional temporary evacuation passage through Salah al-Din has become accessible, as per an announcement by an IDF spokesperson via Telegram. This path will be available for a mere 48 hours, beginning at Wednesday noon local time.
European Union introduces fresh sanctions and tariffs against Israel
Responding to increasing of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Commission on Wednesday revealed its most stringent actions to date to compel Israel to cease hostilities.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy head, detailed proposals for imposing tariffs on specific Israeli products and sanctions on settlers, along with two ministers from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Cabinet — national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich — and ten Hamas figures.
“These measures are being put forward not to penalize Israel or its populace, but rather to exert genuine pressure on the Israeli government to alter its approach and halt the human suffering in Gaza,” Kallas stated during a Brussels press conference. “The conflict must conclude, the anguish cease, and all captives be set free.”
The proposed sanctions would involve freezing European assets belonging to individuals and prohibiting travel within the EU. Given that Israel’s primary trading partner is the bloc, these actions could significantly impact its economy, which is already under stress from months of conflict.
Pope Leo advocates for Gaza ceasefire
In the meantime, Pope Leo XIV made an urgent appeal for a ceasefire, conveying “deep” solidarity with Palestinians and insisting Israel adhere to international humanitarian regulations.
“Before the Omnipotent Lord who decreed ‘Thou shalt not kill’ and in the context of all human history, each individual possesses an inherent dignity that must consistently be honored and safeguarded,” he declared.
The conflict waged by Israel in Gaza has claimed over 65,000 lives, as per Gaza’s Health Ministry, and caused the displacement of approximately 90% of the populace. A UN assessment committee in August that a famine was underway in Gaza.
