Israel Orders Evacuation of Gaza Humanitarian Zone

On Monday, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of part of the designated humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip. This action is in preparation for an operation targeting Hamas militants, who have been using the area to launch rockets toward Israel. The area affected includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in southern Gaza.

Palestinians have been repeatedly displaced in their search for safety during Israel’s intense air and ground offensive. Earlier this month, Israel estimated that at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now within the declared humanitarian zone, which spans approximately 14 kilometers along the Mediterranean. This zone is now heavily populated with tent camps that lack proper sanitation and medical facilities, and have limited aid access, according to the U.N. and humanitarian groups. The living conditions are dire, with families surrounded by mountains of trash and sewage-contaminated streams.

This announcement comes amid delicate negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza, with optimism expressed by U.S. and Israeli officials that an agreement might be close. A negotiating team is scheduled to continue talks on Thursday, as confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are working to mediate a phased cease-fire deal aimed at stopping the fighting and securing the release of hostages.

On Monday, Netanyahu left for a significant trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress. Biden, who recently announced he will not seek another term, will discuss ongoing support with Netanyahu. Netanyahu emphasized that regardless of the next U.S. president, the alliance between Israel and the United States remains strong.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 38,900 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The war began on October 7 with a Hamas assault on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking approximately 250 hostages. Around 120 hostages remain, with a third believed to be deceased, according to Israeli authorities.

The Israeli military continues operations in central and southern Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people, including women and children, as reported by hospital officials and verified by an Associated Press journalist.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened with the detection of the polio virus, exacerbated by deteriorating water and sanitation services for the 2.3 million people in the territory, most of whom are displaced. The virus was found in sewage samples, though no symptoms have been reported so far, according to the World Health Organization.

Israel’s military announced plans to vaccinate soldiers and collaborate with organizations to provide vaccines for Palestinians. Netanyahu has committed to dismantling Hamas’ military and governance capabilities and securing the return of remaining hostages. Families of the hostages and thousands of Israelis continue to hold weekly demonstrations, urging Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire that would facilitate the return of their loved ones.