Hamas War: Israel Provides New Exit Route For Gaza Residents Ahead Of Ground Offensive

Israel has opened a new 48-hour corridor for Palestinians to leave Gaza City as its military campaign against Hamas intensifies.. . Read ..Full.. Article.. .

It urged civilians to move south ahead of what it says will be a prolonged and bloody ground battle.

Hundreds of thousands remain trapped in the city despite repeated evacuation orders.

Many say they fear the dangerous journey south, dire humanitarian conditions in overcrowded camps, or the possibility of never being able to return to their homes.

“Even if we want to leave Gaza City, is there any guarantee we would be able to come back? That’s why I prefer to die here, in Sabra, my neighbourhood,” Ahmed, a schoolteacher, told Reuters.

Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 50 deaths on Wednesday from Israeli airstrikes and gunfire, including 39 in Gaza City.

According to the ministry, the overall Palestinian death toll from the two-year war has surpassed 65,000, though officials and rescue workers believe many more bodies remain buried under rubble.

The war began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Israel has since vowed to dismantle Hamas entirely.

Reuters reports that Israeli tanks have started moving towards Gaza City from multiple directions, though no major advance has yet been reported.

An Israeli official said the operation would take “months” and could pause if a ceasefire deal were reached, but for now the priority was forcing civilians out of the city, and..  Read . .More …