 "Israel opens 48-hour corridor for civilians fleeing Gaza")
The Israeli military on Wednesday announced the opening of a new evacuation route for Palestinians to leave Gaza City, as it intensified efforts to clear civilians from the area and confront what it says are thousands of Hamas fighters.
The corridor, running along Salah al-Din Street, will remain open for 48 hours from midday (0900 GMT), the army’s Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee said.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are still sheltering in Gaza City. Many remain unwilling to move south, citing dangerous conditions along evacuation routes, dire shortages of food and shelter in the south, and fears of permanent displacement.
Israel had declared on Tuesday that its US-backed campaign in Gaza’s largest city was underway, vowing to eliminate Hamas fighters entrenched there. The push followed heavy bombardments before dawn and a rapid ground advance into urban areas.
The escalation comes as Gaza reels from nearly two years of war, with the UN warning of famine in the city and surrounding regions. The assault has drawn sharp international criticism. On Wednesday, a United Nations probe went further, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and charging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials with incitement.
Despite the outcry, Israel said the new route was intended to give civilians a temporary window to leave the combat zone, even as the military pressed ahead with its offensive.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe United Nations estimated at the end of August that about one million people were living in Gaza City and its surroundings.
The Israeli military said Wednesday that more than 350,000 had so far fled south.
But many Gazans say nowhere is safe and have vowed to stay in their homes.
“I won’t leave Gaza. There’s shelling here and there,” said Umm Ahmed Yunes, who is living in her partially destroyed home.
“Where would I find $1,000 or $2,000 for transport costs? Where would I buy a tent? There are no tents and prices are insane,” said the 44-year-old.
With inputs from agencies
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