250000 Palestinians Ordered to Evacuate Amid Gaza Conflict

The Israeli military has ordered 250,000 Palestinians to evacuate Khan Younis amid renewed attacks, further worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Initially unclear, the evacuation directive later pointed to al-Mawasi, a supposed safe zone that has faced previous Israeli strikes. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) withdrew from Khan Younis due to security risks, while hospital evacuations raised further concerns despite Israeli assurances. Patients and medical staff at the European Hospital began relocating, fearing imminent ground operations. A severe fuel shortage has forced many to walk long distances or use animal-drawn carts. Displaced residents, like Ahmed al-Bairam, have been repeatedly forced to move, leaving them in uncertainty. With continuous violence and limited refuge, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis remains dire.

250000 Palestinians Ordered to Evacuate Amid Gaza Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has once again forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to seek safety amid intensified military operations. In the latest development, the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of approximately 250,000 displaced residents from Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza. This directive comes as renewed attacks escalate in the southern region, leaving civilians trapped in multiple areas, including Rafah in the south and the Shujayea neighborhood in Gaza City to the north.

Challenges Surrounding Israel’s “Humanitarian Zone”

Initially, the Israeli military instructed civilians to evacuate immediately to a “humanitarian zone” without specifying its location. Hours later, they clarified that the designated area was al-Mawasi, a coastal region extending northward to Deir el-Balah. Despite being labeled as a safe zone, al-Mawasi has experienced multiple Israeli attacks. According to Palestinian sources, Israeli airstrikes in this area resulted in 25 fatalities on June 21 and 21 deaths on May 28, raising concerns about the actual safety of this so-called humanitarian refuge.

These dangers have forced even aid organizations to reconsider their operations in the area. On June 29, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) withdrew from its base in the Khan Younis portion of al-Mawasi due to security threats. The ongoing hostilities and lack of guaranteed safety have made it increasingly difficult for displaced Palestinians to find secure shelter.

Concerns Over Hospital Evacuations

Although the Israeli military assured that the evacuation order did not apply to the European Hospital, which is within the designated zone, uncertainty and fear have led to a significant movement of patients and medical personnel. The PRCS reported that despite these assurances, hospital staff and patients have started relocating to other medical facilities in anticipation of further military actions.

Jeremy Hickey, an anesthesiologist from Fajr Scientific volunteering at the European Hospital, confirmed that hospital staff received instructions to evacuate. He emphasized that the forced displacement of patients and medical personnel places them in grave danger. Verified footage from Al Jazeera’s fact-checking unit, Sanad, showed entire sections of the hospital and makeshift shelters for displaced individuals being cleared out. These evacuations highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the extreme risks faced by civilians attempting to flee violence.

Struggles of Displaced Palestinians

As the conflict persists, displaced Palestinians are facing mounting hardships. Due to an ongoing fuel shortage in Gaza, many are unable to use vehicles and have resorted to walking long distances or relying on animal-drawn carts. Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Deir el-Balah for Al Jazeera, highlighted the immense strain continuous displacement has placed on Gaza’s already traumatized population.

Ahmed al-Bairam, a resident affected by the latest evacuation order, described his experience to Reuters, stating that he and his family had to leave without any belongings. He recounted their repeated movements from one location to another, including eastern neighborhoods, the European Hospital, Rafah, Bani Suheila, Nasser Hospital, and now Somood camp. He expressed uncertainty about their final destination, emphasizing the severe difficulties they face, particularly the lack of transportation. Many families, including children, are being forced to walk long distances, adding to their exhaustion and distress.

The relentless cycle of displacement has left many Palestinians in limbo, unsure of where to go next. With continuous military operations and limited safe zones, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. International organizations have voiced concerns over the safety of civilians, calling for urgent measures to protect those affected by the conflict. However, as the violence continues, displaced families are left grappling with an uncertain and perilous future.