Gaza War: Alarm over potential exodus into Egypt as Israel intensifies offensive

Monday saw an increase in fighting between Israel and Hamas throughout Gaza, which heightened concerns about a collapse of public order and a large-scale Palestinian flight into Egypt that were raised by the UN over the weekend. Since the beginning of the conflict over two months ago, the little coastal strip has been completely cut off by Israel, with the border with Egypt serving as the only escape route. The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been forced from their homes, and locals claim it is impossible to find safety in the crowded area given the conflict’s escalating nature and the 18,000+ deaths to date. Israel began a ground invasion in the south last week after a week-long ceasefire broke down. Since then, it has advanced from the east into the centre of the large city of Khan Younis, with aeroplanes attacking a region to the west. On Monday, there were severe battles in portions of northern Gaza, where Israel had said its responsibilities were nearly completed, and militants and several residents claimed that fighters were stopping Israeli tanks from going further west through the city. Following further alerts of rocket fire from Gaza, including in Tel Aviv, Israelis retreated into shelters. “The Zionist massacres against civilians” prompted the bombardment of the city, according to the armed wing of Hamas. According to U.N. officials, 1.9 million Palestinians, or 85% of Gaza’s population, are internally displaced, and the conditions in the southern regions where they have gathered are appalling. After making fruitless attempts to mediate a truce in Gaza, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres declared on Sunday that the territory was collapsing. Ninety-five percent of Gaza’s population, or 1.9 million Palestinians, are internally displaced, and the conditions in the southern regions where they have gathered are terrible, according to U.N. authorities. Following his ineffective attempts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that the region was approaching collapse. Speaking on behalf of the Israeli government, Eylon Levy described the charge as “outrageous and false,” adding that his nation was protecting itself “from the monsters who perpetrated the Oct. 7 massacre” and prosecuting those responsible. According to Israeli counts, Hamas terrorists carried out a surprise attack on October 7 that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 240 hostages taken prisoner. Israel has sworn to destroy the terrorist Islamist group that has governed Gaza since 2007 and is committed to destroying Israel. According to Gaza health authorities, around 18,000 people have died and 49,500 have been injured as a result of Israeli attacks. Over 100 Israeli detainees were released during a week-long ceasefire that came to an end on December 1. (With agency inputs)