Palestinians in Northern Gaza Forced to Flee Amid Israeli Attacks

Kokcha News Agency: Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip are facing yet another wave of forced displacement as the Israeli army escalates its attacks, particularly in the Saftawi neighborhood. The ongoing Israeli offensive has left thousands of Palestinians, many of whom are women and children, with no choice but to flee on foot, carrying whatever belongings they can.

The Gaza Strip, a densely populated area of approximately 360 square kilometers, has been under heavy Israeli bombardment for nearly two years, with over 2.3 million Palestinians enduring repeated forced displacements. The recent escalation is part of Israel’s plan to occupy the northern Gaza Strip, which was approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet on August 8.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview prior to the cabinet meeting that the goal is to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. Reports in the Israeli press suggest that the army has been ordered to occupy the remaining parts of Gaza, though this step is not expected to be implemented before September.

According to the plan, in the first phase, approximately 1 million Palestinians will be forced to move south, the city will be besieged, and intense attacks will be carried out before the occupation. In the second phase, the refugee camps in central Gaza, which have been largely destroyed, are expected to be occupied.

The Israeli army has intensified its attacks in northern Gaza, using both airstrikes and artillery fire. Images from the region show hundreds of Palestinians fleeing the Saftawi neighborhood under the sound of gunfire and rising smoke. Many are seen walking on foot, unable to find vehicles, while injured and disabled Palestinians struggle to leave the area amid the chaos.

The Gaza Strip has been under a severe blockade for 18 years, with 2.3 million Palestinians living in dire conditions. Israel previously occupied Gaza from 1967 to 2005, and the current offensive has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.