Israeli forces have advanced into northern Gaza, expanding what they call a “security zone” in a major escalation of their operations. This move follows the government’s announcement to seize large areas in the south as part of a broader military campaign.
In the Shejaia district, located to the east of Gaza City, soldiers have been helping civilians evacuate along organised routes. Evacuation warnings were issued on Thursday, and within hours, hundreds of residents were seen fleeing, many carrying their belongings on foot, in donkey carts, on bicycles, or in vans, according to Reuters reports.
The violence has continued to claim lives. Gaza’s health authorities reported that at least 27 people, including women and children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school building in Gaza City, where displaced families were sheltering. The military claims the Dar Al-Arqam school in Tuffah was being used as a command and control centre by Hamas militants and accused the group of exploiting civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Hamas denies these accusations, insisting they do not operate from civilian areas.
The growing exodus is one of the largest seen in the war, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing their homes as Israel pushes to expand its control. In the southern part of Gaza, Israeli forces are consolidating around the ruined city of Rafah.
Although Israel has not disclosed its long-term plans for the newly seized territories, many residents fear that the military is aiming to permanently depopulate large areas, including Gaza’s remaining farmland and vital water infrastructure. The Israeli military, however, claims it has killed numerous militants and dismantled key Hamas infrastructure, including what it says was a command centre.
Many Palestinians believe that Israel’s ultimate goal is to displace Gaza’s population entirely, in line with a controversial proposal made by former US President Donald Trump, which suggested transforming Gaza into a waterfront resort under US control. Israel, however, insists that any displacement would be voluntary.
The current Israeli military operation resumed on March 18, following a two-month truce. Officials have stated that the campaign will continue until the 59 hostages still held by Hamas are freed, but Hamas has indicated it will only release them if a permanent end to the war is part of the deal.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have destroyed much of Gaza, resulting in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.
