ALBAWABA - In the midst of the continuing war with Hamas, the Israeli army has increased military pressure by stepping up its ground operation in the Shujaiya area east of Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted moving further into the region to "expand the defensive buffer zone" in a statement issued Friday.
The IDF also said it had killed a number of terrorists and damaged important Hamas infrastructure, including a command-and-control center.
DPA and many eyewitnesses said that Israeli tanks and armored vehicles drove into eastern Shujaiya, causing a mass evacuation of civilians. The IDF issued urgent evacuation orders, warning of major conflict imminent, and thousands of inhabitants evacuated westward. Residents should "immediately evacuate for their safety" and go to approved shelters in western Gaza City, according to Army spokeswoman Avichay Adraee.
In Gaza, which is already dealing with a serious humanitarian catastrophe, this is yet another wave of displacement. The images of fleeing families reflect the wider destruction that has occurred along the strip since the battle rekindled.
In reference to a former Israeli settlement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed plans to build a new security corridor across Gaza called "Morag." He underlined that unless Hamas frees Israeli captives, there will be further military pressure.
A long-term strategic change in Israel's stance was indicated by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's confirmation of plans to incorporate portions of Gaza into permanent security zones.
As Gaza struggles with weeks of bombings, ground invasions, and mass displacement, the most recent extension of Israel's ground onslaught highlights the growing humanitarian and political repercussions.
