Escalating Crisis in Gaza: Families Flee Amid Renewed Evacuation Orders

Israel has issued new evacuation orders for Deir Al-Balah, leading to massive displacement and heightened tension. The situation in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis, with Médecins Sans Frontières considering suspending care due to safety concerns. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have faltered.

Israel issued new evacuation orders for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip late on Sunday, forcing more families to flee, saying forces intended to act against militant group Hamas and others operating in the area. This marks a significant escalation in the 10-month conflict, which has drawn international concern.

The Deir Al-Balah municipality reports that the latest orders have displaced 250,000 people. Medics confirmed Israeli military strikes on Monday killed at least seven Palestinians, including fatalities in Deir Al-Balah, at a school in Al-Nuseirat camp, and in Rafah near the Egyptian border.

The evacuation orders have led to chaos at Al-Aqsa Hospital, the main medical facility in Deir Al-Balah, forcing patients and families to flee in fear of bombardment. Médecins Sans Frontières stated that an explosion nearby has triggered panic, causing the organization to consider suspending wound care while maintaining essential life-saving treatments.

Diplomatic efforts involving mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have yielded no progress. Despite several proposals, both Israel and Hamas have rejected compromises, prolonging the humanitarian crisis. Gaza's health ministry reports more than 40,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement amid acute shortages of necessities.

(With inputs from agencies.)