Escalation in Gaza Forces 150,000 Palestinians to Flee Amid Israeli Advance

The United Nations reports that an estimated 150,000 Palestinians are being compelled to flee central Gaza as Israeli forces intensify their advance on refugee camps. Witnesses and reports from Hamas’s armed wing confirm the arrival of tanks at the eastern outskirts of Bureij camp, with Israel expanding its ground offensive to target Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi camps.

Israeli bombardments on Thursday resulted in dozens of casualties across Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. The escalation of the conflict has prompted Egypt to propose a three-stage plan to halt the fighting, culminating in a ceasefire. A Hamas delegation is currently in Cairo to respond to this proposal.
The conflict originated from a cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the hostage-taking of around 240 others. Over the course of 11 weeks of fighting, the health ministry reports over 21,300 casualties in Gaza, predominantly children and women.
In response to the military escalation, the Israeli military has called for the evacuation of a central Gaza strip, encompassing Bureij and Nuseirat camps. Approximately 90,000 residents and 61,000 displaced individuals are urged to move southwards to Deir al-Balah. However, the UN has raised concerns, stating that Deir al-Balah is already overcrowded, with several hundred thousand displaced people seeking shelter.
The situation in Rafah, Gaza’s most densely populated town, is further exacerbated, with around 100,000 new arrivals in recent days as Israeli ground forces advance into new neighborhoods.
The unfolding crisis continues to raise humanitarian concerns, prompting international efforts to bring about a ceasefire and address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict.