By Charles Pemu 
The Israeli military has reportedly issued a sweeping evacuation order for the entirety of Gaza City, signaling an imminent ground offensive. This directive has thrown the fate of the city’s one million residents into jeopardy, as they face the difficult choice of fleeing or remaining amid intensified airstrikes. The move has been widely condemned by international bodies and humanitarian organizations, who warn of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. There are growing fears that an invasion would exacerbate the already dire situation in a region reportedly experiencing a severe famine, with a growing number of people said to have died from hunger.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged residents to leave, stating, “You have been warned – get out of there!” The military has designated al-Mawasi in southern Gaza as a humanitarian zone, but reports indicate only a small fraction of the city’s population has relocated. Aid groups and residents have expressed skepticism about the safety and capacity of al-Mawasi to absorb such a large influx of people. The UN has also highlighted the significant financial burden of moving, with costs potentially reaching over $1,000, a sum largely unattainable for most residents.
Despite the risks, some residents feel they have no option but to leave. One resident, Um Mohammad, a 55-year-old mother of six, told Reuters, “Despite the bombardment in the past week, I have resisted leaving, but now I will go to be with my daughter.”
The planned offensive comes amid renewed, albeit fragile, ceasefire discussions. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated that Israel has accepted a new U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal, with Hamas reportedly considering it. However, significant obstacles remain, as Israel reportedly insists on the complete disarmament of Hamas and the return of all hostages. In contrast, Hamas has stated it will not surrender its arms unless an independent Palestinian state is established.
The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants reportedly killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, has resulted in a staggering loss of life. Speculated figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health indicate that over the past 23 months, the conflict has resulted in the death of at least 64,522 Palestinians. The Israeli military has reportedly intensified its strikes on Gaza City, with Defence Minister Israel Katz calling the recent bombings “only the introduction” of a larger invasion.