Thousands Flee Gaza City Amid Fears of Imminent Israeli Offensive

CAIRO: Thousands of Palestinians fled eastern districts of Gaza City on Monday, fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive as bombardments intensified across the war-torn enclave.

Israel has signaled plans to seize Gaza City, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as Hamas’ last major stronghold. But the move has triggered alarm both at home and abroad. Tens of thousands of Israelis staged mass protests, urging the government to secure a deal to free the 50 hostages still believed to be held by Palestinian militants.

Local officials said hundreds of families have left Beit Lahiya, a devastated suburb on Gaza City’s outskirts, seeking safety further south. Shelter manager Ahmed Mheisen reported nearly 1,000 families displaced in recent days, with an urgent need for 1.5 million tents. By contrast, Israel permitted only 120,000 tents into Gaza during a previous ceasefire.

The UN estimates 1.35 million Gazans are already in need of emergency shelter. Residents describe the atmosphere as one of fear and despair. “The people of Gaza City are like someone awaiting execution,” said businessman Tamer Burai, who was preparing to relocate his family.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators have stepped up efforts to broker a truce, warning that talks in Cairo could represent the “last-ditch attempt.” Hamas officials told negotiators they were open to a U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal and the release of half the hostages but also pressed for a broader deal to end the war.

Israel has insisted it will halt hostilities only if all hostages are freed and Hamas disarms, a demand the Islamist group continues to reject unless a Palestinian state is established.

The conflict, sparked by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has left deep scars. More than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while over two million people, nearly the enclave’s entire population, are displaced.

The ministry said 263 Palestinians, including 112 children, have died from malnutrition and starvation since the war began, with five more deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. Israel has disputed the figures.

Meanwhile, aid groups warn that restrictions at border crossings continue to prevent adequate delivery of tents, food, and medical supplies, heightening the risk of famine across the territory.