Red Cross condemns proposed evacuation of Gaza City amid escalating conflict
- Israeli military actions have led to 66 deaths in Gaza since dawn, as the region continues to face extreme violence.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross asserts that safe and dignified evacuation of Gaza City is impossible under current conditions.
- As the humanitarian crisis worsens and calls to end the conflict escalate, Israeli authorities prepare for further military actions in Gaza.
Israel's military has intensified its siege on Gaza City, resulting in severe consequences for its civilian population. The Red Cross issued a warning regarding any potential attempts at evacuating residents, indicating that such measures would be perilous given the current conditions. Reports state that since dawn, Israeli attacks have resulted in the death of at least 66 individuals in Gaza, a territory that has endured prolonged conflict for nearly 23 months. In light of the ongoing military actions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, led by President Mirjana Spoljaric, emphasized that a mass evacuation could not be conducted in a safe or dignified manner under these circumstances. The dire state of shelter, healthcare, and nutrition in Gaza makes any evacuation not only impractical but also incomprehensible. As Israel faces mounting pressure globally to halt its operations, it continues to prepare for an offensive aimed at capturing Gaza City's significant urban expanse. Although there are calls from both domestic and international bodies to end the conflict, the Israeli military remains focused on seizing control and relocating the inhabitants. Reportedly, the grave humanitarian situation has led to the UN declaring a famine in the region, exacerbating the difficulty of a safe evacuation. Amidst this chaos, families of Israeli hostages taken during previous attacks warn that any offensive could further jeopardize their loved ones' safety. Despite no immediate orders for civilians to evacuate, preparatory measures are being discussed by Israeli authorities to move inhabitants south for their protection. The ongoing violence has deeply shaken Gaza's civilian populace, with numerous fatalities reported among displaced individuals trying to access food or shelter. This reality reflects the persistent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the majority of the population has been displaced multiple times, leaving them in treacherous living conditions. The toll from Israel's operations has reached staggering levels, with reports indicating that over 63,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have lost their lives during the retaliatory offensive. The death toll continues to rise as military operations evolve, with accompanying concerns for those who remain hostages in Gaza.