Thousands displaced as Israeli offensive escalates in northern Gaza

By Muhammed Ebu Dun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands of Palestinians in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia are being displaced amid escalating Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, with shelters and civilian homes coming under attack.

Residents say the Israeli military’s intensified offensive, which has targeted the region for more than two months, has left them no choice but to flee.

At checkpoints, men over 18 are detained for questioning, while women and children are forced to make a grueling 10-kilometer journey to Gaza City.

Over 60 days of Israeli military operations in northern Gaza have resulted in more than 3,700 people killed or missing, 10,000 injured, and 1,750 detained.

- Evacuations under fire

Amine Hussein, a mother of four, said she fled to Gaza City after Israeli tanks surrounded her neighborhood and the bombardment escalated.

“We had no choice but to leave,” she said. “The tanks and shelling left us surrounded, and they began targeting shelters and homes.”

Many displaced families had sought refuge in schools, including the Abu Tammam Schools in Beit Lahia.

Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces used drones equipped with loudspeakers to order an evacuation on Wednesday, forcing thousands to leave in panic.

- Detentions and intimidation

Iman Misri, who fled with her family, said Israeli forces detained her father and three brothers. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

“On the evacuation route, soldiers held women and children for hours,” she said. “They insulted us, fired shots in the air to scare us, and then let us go.”

Misri described the journey as 'chaotic', with many overcome by fear and grief.

- Dire conditions

Nagham Basyuni, who lived with her family of eight, said they endured severe food and water shortages for weeks while refusing to leave.

“We feared we would starve to death,” she said. “The siege was unbearable.”

After Israeli forces detained her father and male relatives, the family finally fled.

“The last days were the worst,” she said. “The bombings grew more intense, and we were surrounded by fire and military vehicles.”

Basyuni accused Israeli forces of degrading displaced Palestinians, violating international law, and called on the global community to intervene.

- Displacement strategy

Israeli forces launched a renewed ground offensive in northern Gaza on Oct. 6, targeting areas including the Jabaliya Refugee Camp.

The operation aligns with what Israeli media has described as a “generals’ plan” to clear the region for Israeli settlements.

The strategy reportedly involves the forced evacuation of Palestinians, a blockade of essential supplies such as food and water, and the classification of those who remain as hostile.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee shared a map on social media, instructing residents to move south to the Mawasi area.

The plan mirrors earlier proposals to force Palestinians from northern Gaza, leaving resistance fighters with a choice between surrender or death, and civilians in deteriorating conditions.

Human rights groups have condemned the forced displacement, warning of severe humanitarian consequences as families are uprooted from their homes and subjected to violence.

*Writing by Beril Canakci