Evacuation Surge in Northern Gaza City Due to Intensified Military Actions
New visual data from space has revealed a significant exodus of Palestinians from northern Gaza and Gaza City, coinciding with escalated military actions and an ensuing ground invasion by Israeli forces.
Visual Evidence of Exodus
Images captured from space between two specific periods reveal a notable decrease in the number of makeshift shelters erected in vacant spaces amid the ruins of Gaza City, along the coast, and in the less urbanized northern areas.
The formerly populated tent cities in Sheikh Radwan, Al-Shati Refugee Camp, and Rimal, all neighborhoods located west of Jabalia in northern Gaza, have virtually disappeared, as the images reveal.
City Camps Also Cleared
Contrasting images of Gaza City's Al-Zaytoun and Tuffah neighborhoods also display a significant decrease in the number of tents. These densely populated areas are less than two miles south of the aforementioned neighborhoods.
Coastal Exodus
Images further showcase the mass departure of Palestinians who had sought refuge in tents along the northern Gaza coastline. Comparative visuals show a stark decrease in the number of tents around the Gaza City port and areas to the south.
However, the images also show that some tent cities still dot the coastal path south of the city's port, along Al Rashid, a major thoroughfare that cuts through Gaza.
Population Still Remains
Despite the Israeli military's claim that approximately 400,000 Palestinians have fled following its evacuation mandate, it is estimated that over half a million still endure in northern Gaza.
Residents of Gaza City, where a few clusters of tents still stand, have expressed their inability to relocate due to lack of resources. One such resident, Mohammed Almodali of Al-Karamah in Gaza City, expressed his fear of being surrounded by tanks and concern for the safety of his eight family members.
Ground Invasion Begins
The Israeli military has commenced a ground invasion in Gaza City, stating an intent to launch a forceful offensive against a Hamas stronghold in the city. A week prior, Israeli officials had issued an evacuation order for all city residents, warning of "great force" to be used within Gaza City.
According to an IDF spokesperson, it could potentially take Israeli forces "a few months" to complete their mission in Gaza City.
Humanitarian Toll
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian casualties, according to a statement from the Health Ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas. The surprise attack launched by Hamas on Israel resulted in the death of more than 1,200 people and the kidnapping of around 250 others, as per Israeli officials.
Moreover, hospitals across the Gaza Strip have reported 98 deaths, including 7 individuals seeking aid, in the last 24 hours due to Israeli military actions, added the Health Ministry.
