The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza Strip, planning an operation against Hamas militants who have used the area to launch rockets toward Israel. This area, designated as a humanitarian zone, includes the eastern part of Muwasi.
Palestinians have frequently been displaced in search of safety during Israel's intense air and ground campaign. Earlier this month, Israel estimated that at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone, which spans about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. This zone is now filled with tent camps lacking sanitation and medical facilities, with limited access to aid. Families live amid mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage, according to the U.N. and humanitarian groups.
The announcement coincides with delicate negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza. U.S. and Israeli officials are hopeful that an agreement is close, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a trip to the United States to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress. A negotiating team will continue talks on Thursday, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States pushing for a phased cease-fire deal to halt the fighting and free hostages.
The war in Gaza has resulted in over 38,900 deaths, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The conflict began with a Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 hostages. About 120 hostages remain, with roughly a third believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities. The Israeli military continues operations in central and southern Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 15 people, including women and children, on Sunday.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, compounded by the discovery of the polio virus due to worsening water and sanitation services for the territory’s 2.3 million residents. Traces of the virus were found in sewage samples, although the World Health Organization reports no one has been treated for symptoms. Israel's military plans to vaccinate soldiers and collaborate with organizations to provide vaccines for Palestinians.
Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas' military and governing capabilities and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages and many other Israelis have held weekly demonstrations urging the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal to bring their loved ones home.