Israeli strikes killed at least 22 Palestinians in Gaza as Israeli forces expanded their operations in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, prompting most remaining residents to evacuate.
Shelters housing displaced families were surrounded by Israeli forces, who ordered remaining residents—estimated in the thousands—to head south through checkpoints separating Beit Hanoun, nearby towns, and refugee camps from Gaza City.
Men were detained for questioning, while women and children were allowed to proceed south, according to Palestinian medics and locals.
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The intensified operations in northern Gaza and large-scale evacuations have led Palestinians to allege Israel is establishing a buffer zone and potentially planning for the return of Jewish settlers.
Saed, a 48-year-old Beit Lahiya resident who recently arrived in Gaza City, described it as reminiscent of the 1948 displacement of Palestinians during the Arab-Israeli war. Israel has denied these claims, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated that there are no plans to reverse the 2005 Gaza settler withdrawal.
Israel’s campaign has reportedly killed hundreds of Hamas militants in areas including Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, which began over a month ago.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces claimed responsibility for the deaths of several Israeli soldiers through ambushes and anti-tank rockets.
Efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to mediate a truce have stalled, with each side blaming the other. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged for an end to the war, adding the need for a clear post-war strategy to prevent Hamas from regaining control.
Meanwhile, medics reported fatalities in multiple areas, including Khan Younis and near Kamal Adwan Hospital. Over 43,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza over the past year, leaving the area devastated and millions struggling with food and medicine shortages.
