Gazans Flee Northward Amid Escalating Tensions in the Gaza Strip

Hundreds of Palestinian families fled Gaza City yesterday as Israeli forces announced plans to close Al-Rashid Street, the main coastal road connecting northern and southern Gaza. The closure marks a significant tightening of the siege around Gaza City, cutting off the last major route for civilian movement and aid delivery.

Al-Rashid Street serves as Gaza's primary coastal highway and became the main transportation artery after Israeli forces already closed Salah al-Din Street on the eastern side of the strip. Witnesses reported families evacuating using animal-drawn carts, trucks, cars, and on foot amid heavy Israeli fire.

The Israeli military said it would allow the road to be used only for southward displacement from Gaza City to central and southern parts of the strip. While Israeli forces haven't physically moved to block the street, they're targeting it with gunfire and bombardment, effectively making passage extremely dangerous.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military completed control over the "Netzarim Corridor," which separates northern and southern Gaza. "This will tighten the siege on Gaza City and force anyone leaving it southward to pass through military checkpoints," Katz stated.

The closure creates a complete blockade of Gaza City, preventing the entry of food, medicine, and fuel needed for municipalities and hospitals. This development signals a major escalation in the humanitarian crisis, as the city becomes increasingly isolated from essential supplies.

The International Committee of the Red Cross suspended operations at its Gaza City office yesterday, moving staff to southern Gaza due to deteriorating security conditions. The organization said it had no choice but to relocate to ensure staff safety while continuing humanitarian work.

The Red Cross noted that ambulance crews, including the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and civil defense teams, continue working around the clock but face severe restrictions on movement and safe access to civilians. The organization continues providing medical aid to the few remaining functional health facilities in Gaza City through its offices in Deir al-Balah and Rafah.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces struck Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, endangering the lives of more than 70 journalists and media workers sheltering there, according to Gaza's government media office.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that deaths from malnutrition and starvation have reached 455 Palestinians, including 151 children, since October 7, 2023. The ministry recorded two additional starvation-related deaths on Wednesday alone.

The Red Cross emphasized that international humanitarian law requires protection of civilians whether they choose to stay in Gaza City or leave. The organization stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, is legally obligated to ensure basic civilian needs are met and allow rapid, unobstructed passage of humanitarian aid.