Military operations intensify as evacuations rise and airstrikes leave over 100 dead, raising fears of permanent displacement
Israeli troops have advanced further into the northern sector of Gaza, aiming to widen what they describe as a “security buffer”, according to a statement issued by the military on Friday.
This expansion follows recent Israeli plans to launch an operation in southern Gaza, where forces have already begun consolidating control, particularly around the destroyed city of Rafah.
On Thursday, residents of Shejaia, a neighbourhood near Gaza City, received evacuation orders. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed to have organised escape routes, allowing civilians to leave. Many fled on foot, carrying whatever they could manage, while others used carts, bicycles, or vehicles to escape the area.
In parallel, Israel has escalated its military presence in southern Gaza, driving mass civilian movement. The past week has seen one of the largest waves of displacement since the conflict reignited, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians forced to abandon their homes.
The IDF released footage of what it described as its latest operations, though it has not made public a clear long-term objective for the territories now under its control. Many Palestinians suspect that the aim is to empty portions of the Gaza Strip permanently, a belief fuelled by circulating speculation about a controversial redevelopment plan allegedly supported by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Thursday alone, over 100 individuals in Gaza were reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes, including at least 27 people who had taken refuge in a school building. Gaza’s health authorities, governed by Hamas, shared these casualty figures. The Israeli military responded by claiming the targeted school was being used as a Hamas command centre—a claim denied by the group.
Images from Gaza showed the destruction at Dar Al-Arqam school, where displaced families had sought shelter, and a young girl being treated in hospital following the bombardment.
The latest wave of violence follows Israel’s decision to resume airstrikes and ground activity in Gaza on 18 March, effectively ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
According to Israeli officials, military operations will continue until all 59 remaining hostages are returned. Hamas has maintained that it will only release the captives under terms that include a permanent ceasefire agreement.
