‘Cataclysmic Scenes’ as Palestinians Escape Gaza City Under Fire

The Israeli military has issued a stark warning to residents of Gaza City, vowing to use “unprecedented and extreme force” in operations against Hamas and other militant groups. Civilians have been urged to evacuate south, but options are quickly narrowing. The Salah al-Din road, previously a key evacuation route, has now been closed, leaving only one street for those trying to flee.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging people to “take this opportunity and join the hundreds of thousands” who have already evacuated to what Israel designates as a humanitarian zone in the south.

The latest military push comes amid ongoing Israeli strikes by air, land, and sea. Gaza City, which Israeli officials call Hamas’ “main stronghold,” continues to face heavy bombardment. According to Israeli estimates based on drone surveillance and intelligence reports, around 450,000 civilians have already left the city. However, the United Nations reports that 60,000 more people have fled in just the past three days as violence escalates.

Before the offensive began, Gaza City was home to about one million people, many of whom were already displaced from other parts of the territory.

Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the UN’s humanitarian office, described the conditions during a recent visit to the city as “cataclysmic.” She told the BBC that her 18-mile round trip took 14 hours due to security and logistical challenges.

“Many people simply can’t evacuate,” Cherevko said. “Even if you can find a vehicle, the cost of moving belongings is unaffordable for most. That’s why you see families walking with just a mattress or a plastic bag.”

Health services are also collapsing under pressure. On Thursday, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X, warning that hospitals are near breaking point. He called for an immediate ceasefire, saying evacuation orders are forcing families into shrinking areas with “conditions unfit for human dignity.”

“The injured and those with disabilities cannot escape. Their lives are in grave danger,” Tedros said.

Original Source