On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces’ Arabic spokesman took to social media to issue an urgent evacuation warning for Palestinian residents in the northern and central Gaza Strip. The IDF said it is working to dismantle militant networks in the area, pressing civilians to move to safer zones immediately.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Trump hinted that a ceasefire could be in place within a week, signaling a potential shift after months of intense conflict.
Casualties continue to rise across Gaza. Palestinian sources report at least 40 people killed by Israeli gunfire and shelling on Friday alone. Eyewitnesses describe harrowing scenes near a U.S.-backed aid distribution center north of Rafah, where forces opened fire on thousands waiting for food. Medics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said seven victims died and dozens were wounded, some critically.
In central Gaza, al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat confirmed one death and 39 injuries after troops fired on civilians queuing for aid. Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal added that airstrikes and shelling have claimed at least 32 more lives across the enclave.
Hamas has called on the United Nations to form an international committee to investigate the shootings outside aid centers, denouncing the attacks as “a blatant crime” and urging UN agencies and humanitarian groups to resume food distribution without delays.
Since Israel resumed operations on March 18, Gaza-based health authorities report that 6,008 Palestinians have been killed and 20,591 injured. That toll pushes the overall numbers since October 2023 to 56,331 dead and 132,632 wounded—figures that underline an escalating humanitarian crisis.
As calls for evacuation echo across Gaza and diplomatic signals flicker with talk of a ceasefire, the immediate priority remains life-saving aid and safe corridors for civilians trapped in the crossfire.
Reference(s):
Israel calls for Gaza evacuation; Trump hints at ceasefire in a week
cgtn.com
