Israel continues to displace civilians in Gaza

By Halime Afra Aksoy and Safiye Karabacak

GAZA, Palestine (AA) - Israel continues to forcibly displace hundreds of Palestinians in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, which is under intense air and ground attacks by Israeli forces.

Following threats from the Israeli army to target civilian settlements, many Palestinians from the eastern areas of Khan Younis were forcibly displaced to a “humanitarian zone” in the Al-Mawasi area close to the city.

Areas in the east such as Cura al-Lut, Ash-Sheikh Nasir, Al-Ketibeh and Jalal Street along with the western region of 5th Street in Khan Younis have been subjected to intense Israeli bombardment in recent days.

Huzeyfe Sebir, previously displaced from Gaza City to Khan Younis, told Anadolu that the search for a safe area continues and they recently moved from Cura el-Lut to Rafah.

Sebir said they received an evacuation call from the Israeli army due to the intense attacks in Gaza. As part of the attacks, the army threatened and evacuated dozens of settlements in Khan Younis.

He said the army targeted many homes in Cura el-Lut, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries.

Ahmed Al-Ferra told Anadolu that the Israeli army sent text messages to residents’ phones instructing them to relocate to the Al-Mawasi area.

"This area is sandy land lacking all the basic necessities for life. It is not suitable for living, with no food or water, and there is no suitable place for settlement," said Al-Ferra.

He said he set up a tent in the area hoping it is safe for his family but fears that like other claimed "safe" areas, the Israeli army might target Al-Mawasi.

The UN has warned that the ongoing Israeli bombardments may accelerate mass displacements from the northern to the southern parts of the Gaza Strip.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi urgently called for a humanitarian cease-fire to prevent further mass displacements in Gaza and their spread beyond the region due to Israel's intensive attacks and blockade.

Grandi emphasized that if mass displacements cannot be prevented, solving this problem would become impossible and would jeopardize the chances of achieving peace in the future.