Cairo: The Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders in an eastern Gaza City suburb on Sunday, triggering a renewed wave of displacement. Palestinian medics reported that the director of a Gaza hospital sustained injuries in an Israeli drone strike.
The new evacuation directive for the Shejaia neighborhood, shared by the Israeli army spokesperson on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday night, cited Palestinian militants launching rockets from the densely populated area in northern Gaza. The military urged residents to "evacuate immediately to the south for your safety." Hamas’ armed wing claimed responsibility for the rocket barrage, asserting it had targeted an Israeli military base across the border.
Unverified footage circulated on social media depicted residents leaving Shejaia on donkey carts, rickshaws, and on foot—children carrying backpacks among them. Residents and Palestinian media reported families abandoning their homes Saturday night into early Sunday, marking another displacement wave in the 13-month-long conflict.
Meanwhile, in central Gaza, health officials reported at least 10 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on Al-Maghazi and Al-Bureij camps since Saturday evening. Heavy winter rain compounded the crisis for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom are repeatedly displaced. Flooded tents spoiled food supplies and swept away makeshift shelters. A man named Rami, displaced in Gaza City, described running through the night as rain ruined their tent, leaving his children vulnerable to illness.
The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported thousands affected by the flooding, urging aid groups to provide durable tents and caravans.
In northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been conducting operations against Hamas since last month, an Israeli drone strike targeted Kamal Adwan Hospital, injuring director Hussam Abu Safiya. In a video statement, Abu Safiya vowed to continue his work despite the attack. Israeli forces have accused militants of using civilian buildings as operational cover, while Hamas denies this, accusing Israel of indiscriminate targeting.
Kamal Adwan Hospital is among three northern Gaza hospitals operating under dire conditions. Health officials allege Israeli forces have expelled staff and blocked critical supplies. However, Israel stated it has facilitated the delivery of medical supplies and patient transfers in coordination with international agencies.
Residents in northern towns like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun reported widespread house demolitions by Israeli forces. Palestinians accuse Israel of seeking to permanently depopulate the region to establish a buffer zone, a claim Israel denies.
The conflict has devastated Gaza, with over 44,000 reported dead and nearly the entire population displaced at least once, according to Gaza officials. The war began following a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 hostages taken into Gaza.