KHAN YOUNIS: Thousands of Gazans are in a state of panic as they hastily evacuate designated humanitarian zone to avoid Israeli shelling following orders from the Israeli military, which has warned of operation in the area.
The humanitarian zone, Al-Mawasi, stretches along the Gaza coast between the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. Initially declared safe for Palestinian civilians in May, it has now become a focal point of the Israeli offensive as the occupation forces have directed residents to relocate from eastern Khan Younis to the western part of the adjusted humanitarian area.
Many Gazans are hesitant to join the swelling tent camps in Al-Mawasi after a recent attack on the zone killed at least 92 people and wounded more than 300, according to figures from the health ministry in the territory.
This directive comes amidst relentless Israeli attacks, leading to casualties and widespread fear among the Palestinian civilian population.
Yussef Abu Taimah, a resident of Al-Qarara in Khan Younis, expressed his distress, stating, “No place feels safe anymore.” Abu Taimah recounted the harrowing experience of fleeing amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes, tank shelling, and drone attacks. He described scenes of chaos where the injured were transported to hospitals in unconventional ways due to the intense Israeli bombardment.
READ ALSO: Israeli Shelling in Gaza Humanitarian Zone Kills 16, Evacuation Ordered
“We are heading to Al-Mawasi, but I fear there will be no space left in the overcrowded camps,” Abu Taimah lamented. “Even the sidewalks are occupied with people and tents. We are exhausted and frustrated. This constant displacement must end.”
Ahmed al-Bayuk, another displaced Palestinian, lamented the relentless cycle of displacement and destruction inflicted by Israeli military operations. “Each time we settle, the army returns, bombs our homes, and forces us to flee again,” he said. “There is nowhere safe left for us to go.”
The situation in Khan Younis has deteriorated significantly in recent months, with the Israeli military conducting extensive operations that have resulted in widespread destruction and displacement. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 37 deaths and over 120 injuries since Monday morning.
Mohammad Zaqout, director of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, described the overwhelming challenges faced by medical personnel in treating the influx of casualties. “The emergency department is overwhelmed with serious injuries, and the casualty count continues to rise,” Zaqout stated. “We are struggling to cope with the escalating humanitarian crisis.”
Since October 7 last year, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 39,006 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to data from the health ministry in the territory.
