Israeli airstrikes cause thousands to flee Gaza City

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City have forced thousands of inhabitants to flee amid a renewed effort by Israel to eliminate Hamas.

Gaza’s civil defence agency confirmed that at least 64 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on September 17th, including 41 who were killed in Gaza City.

According to France 24 with AFP,  these airstrikes were part of a new US-backed Israeli ground offensive which intends to dismantle Hamas.

The renewed bombardment has forced thousands of residents to flee to the south, with many making the journey on foot, by car, or on donkey carts.

On September 17th, the Israeli military said it was opening “a temporary transportation route via Salah al-Din Street.” However, some Gazans have refused to leave their homes because they believe that nowhere is safe.

Fatima Lubbad, a mother of four, left Gaza City with 10 family members but said the experience was awful. She said: “I wish we would all die together.”

“Last night we slept in the street by the sea in Deir el-Balah – there was nowhere to put a tent … I cried all night as I looked at my children sleeping on the ground.”

Lorries offering transport for fleeing inhabitants demand fees that are unaffordable for many people in Gaza City, with some charging up to US$1,000 for rides.

Those who cannot afford the transportation fees are left with two options: flee on foot or stay and risk being killed or injured by Israeli attacks.

Umm Ahmed Yunes, who is living in a home that is partly destroy, said: “I won’t leave Gaza. There’s shelling here and there.” The 44-year-old continued: “Where would I find $1,000 or $2,000 for transport costs? Where would I buy a tent? There are no tents, and prices are insane.” She added: “Death is cheaper and more merciful.”

The plan to “conquer” Gaza was described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “forceful operation” to free the remaining Israeli hostages and eliminate Hamas. Israel previously issued evacuation orders for people in Gaza, where civilians were told to move southwards towards al-Mawasi.

Netanyahu’s plan to take control of  Gaza City, which aims to defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip, was approved by Israel’s security cabinet between during the night of August 7th to August 8th.

On September 8th, Palestinians in Gaza City demonstrated against Israel’s forced displacement of Gazans. Named the “March of the Shrouds”, medical workers were involved in organising the demonstration, alongside the national gathering of tribes and families.

Slogans opposing displacement were chanted, while signs saying, “We will not be displaced. Stop our extermination,” were held up by protesters.

On September 14th, at least 30 residential buildings were razed by Israeli forces; Rafah, Khan Younis and many Gaza City suburbs have been almost completely destroyed since the Israeli campaign intensified in early August.

Residents have reportedly been living in fear as the Israeli military’s offensive intensified with air strikes, artillery shelling and explosions. What’s more, Israel has announced it has taken control of 40% of Gaza City.

France 24 with AFP, Maghrebi.org