New Delhi, Aug 21: Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing neighbourhoods in Gaza City as Israeli forces begin the first phase of a ground offensive aimed at seizing the entire city, home to more than a million people, reports BBC and international media. Israeli troops have moved into the outskirts, including Zeitoun and Jabalia, after days of heavy bombardment. Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved the operation, with 60,000 reservists to be called up in September, reports BBC. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shortening the timelines” to capture what he called Hamas’s “last strongholds.”
The escalation has drawn sharp international criticism. UN Secretary General António Guterres renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, while the Red Cross warned that further displacement and hostilities could “worsen an already catastrophic situation” for Gaza’s 2.1 million people.
French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that Israel’s plan “can only lead to disaster for both peoples.” Hamas accused Israel of waging a “brutal war against innocent civilians” and ignoring a new ceasefire proposal from mediators Qatar and Egypt, who have suggested a 60-day truce and a partial hostage release. Israel has yet to respond formally, saying it seeks a comprehensive deal, reports BBC. The UN estimates evacuation orders now cover 86% of Gaza. Humanitarian agencies warn that continued offensives risk deepening the crisis for civilians and the roughly 50 hostages still held by Hamas.
