Israeli forces advanced into southern Gaza on Sunday, where hundreds of thousands of residents had fled in search of safety from bombardments and fierce fighting with Hamas militants.
Aid groups have raised the alarm about the apocalyptic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian land, warning that it is on the verge of collapse due to sickness and malnutrition.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, said Sunday that Israel had conducted a series of very violent raids on the southern city of Khan Yunis and the road connecting it to Rafah, near the Egyptian border.
On Saturday, Israel announced that 137 captives remained in the Palestinian territory.
With few other options for safety, many in Gaza sought sanctuary in hospitals on Saturday.
An estimated 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced.
They have converted Rafah, near the border with Egypt, into a large camp because they are unable to leave the small zone.
According to the United Nations Children’s Agency, nearly one million children have been forcibly displaced as a result of the violence.
Children are running out of safe places to go as combat intensifies in southern Gaza, where Israel recommended civilians to seek shelter.
Regional director of UNICEF, Adele Khodr stated, “They are now being pushed further and further south into tiny, overcrowded areas without water, food, or protection, putting them at increased risk of respiratory infections and waterborne disease”.
“The restrictions and challenges being placed on the delivery of lifesaving aid going into and across the Gaza Strip are another death sentence for children”, Khodr added.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsened, Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi encouraged his forces to press harder in their operation.
At an event in Jerusalem, Halevi said, “We’re seeing more and more terrorists killed, more and more terrorists wounded, and in recent days we’re seeing terrorists surrendering — this is a sign their network’s falling apart”.
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