Thousands flee as Israel orders more evacuations in Deir al-Balah

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians have begun evacuating their areas in eastern Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip after new Israeli evacuation orders, according to witnesses.

The area was previously designated as a “safe zone” for civilians, but the Israeli army ordered residents to leave it ahead of a new military operation there.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said certain neighborhoods in Deir al-Balah are now deemed a “dangerous combat zone,” calling on residents to move westward ahead of an imminent attack in the area.

The warning has forced thousands of civilians to flee on foot, carrying small bags and some basic belongings such as blankets, bedding and a little food, witnesses said.

Last week, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said that Israel has reduced the so-called "humanitarian zone" in Gaza to just 11% of the territory, causing widespread panic and fear among displaced people.

According to Gaza’s government media office, two million people in Gaza have been displaced by Israel’s ongoing offensive on the enclave.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

The onslaught has resulted in over 40,200 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and nearly 93,000 injuries, according to local health authorities.

The ongoing blockade of Gaza has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered a halt to military operations in the southern city of Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar