Tens of Thousands Stay in Gaza City Amid Deadly Strikes as Israel Pushes for Evacuations
GAZA CITY — Hundreds of thousands of residents are sheltering in Gaza City, many hesitant to follow Israeli orders to move south due to dangerous travel conditions, scarce food supplies, and fears of permanent displacement.
“Even if we want to leave Gaza City, is there any guarantee we could come back? Will the war ever end? That’s why I prefer to die here, in Sabra, my neighborhood,” said Ahmed, a schoolteacher, speaking by phone.
Local health authorities reported at least 63 people were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, mostly in Gaza City. These fatalities raise the Palestinian death toll from the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas past 65,000. Officials and rescue workers say the actual number may be higher, as many bodies remain trapped under rubble.
Among the dead were 13 people, including local TV journalist Mohammad Alaa Al-Sawalhi, who medics said were following orders to leave Gaza City. Another five people were killed and dozens were injured by Israeli gunfire near an aid site in Rafah. The Israeli military said troops had fired warning shots to remove an “immediate threat.”
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led forces attacked southern Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Tanks Advance Slowly; Ground Assault Expected to Take Months
Israel estimates that around 400,000 people—about 40% of Gaza City’s population as of August 10—have already fled. Of these, 190,000 reportedly moved south, while 350,000 relocated to central and western areas of the city.
Since the start of Israel’s ground offensive to capture Gaza’s main urban center, tanks have moved short distances from three directions, but no major advances have been reported.
An Israeli official said military efforts are focused on encouraging civilians to move south and warned that fighting could intensify over the next month or two. Israel expects roughly 100,000 civilians will remain in the city, and capturing it may take months. The operation could be paused if a ceasefire is reached with Hamas.
However, hopes for a ceasefire appear slim after Israel’s recent attack on Hamas political leaders in Doha, angering Qatar, a co-mediator in ceasefire talks.
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