Thousands of Palestinians fled eastern Gaza City on Monday amid fears of an imminent Israeli ground assault, as heavy bombardment and displacement worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Israel has already seized 75% of Gaza and is preparing to target Gaza City, described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas last major stronghold. The move has alarmed mediators in Egypt and Qatar, who warn it could derail ceasefire talks and endanger the remaining 50 Israeli hostages.
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Local officials said nearly 1,000 families left Beit Lahiya alone in recent days, with an urgent need for 1.5 million tents. The UN estimates over 1.3 million people already lack adequate shelter. Gaza’s health ministry reported rising deaths from malnutrition, including children, while Israel disputes the figures.
At the same time, the Gaza Tribunal urged urgent international armed intervention, calling Israel’s actions the “most lethal phase of genocide.” Tribunal president Richard Falk said governments should bypass the UN Security Council and act through the General Assembly.
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Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa announced that an interim committee under the Palestinian Authority will manage Gaza once a ceasefire is reached, stressing that “Gaza is an integral part of our state.”
Israel’s military campaign, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, has killed more than 61,900 Palestinians, according to Gaza officials, and displaced nearly the entire 2.2 million population.
