Satellite imagery provides stark evidence of a mass exodus from northern Gaza and Gaza City, as Israel intensifies its military operations. Analysis of images from September 4th to 15th reveals a dramatic decrease in the number of makeshift tent camps housing displaced Palestinians. Large settlements in areas like Sheikh Radwan, Al-Shati Refugee Camp, and Rimal, west of Jabalia, have almost completely vanished. Similar emptying is observed in Gaza City's Al-Zaytoun and Tuffah neighborhoods.
The images also show a significant reduction in coastal tent camps in northern Gaza, although some smaller clusters remain near Gaza City's port and further south. This evacuation follows an Israeli order for all residents of Gaza City to leave, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launching a ground offensive, stating their aim to target Hamas strongholds. Despite the IDF's claim of 400,000 evacuations, estimates suggest over half a million Palestinians remain in northern Gaza.
The dire situation is underscored by accounts like that of Mohammed Almodali, a resident of Al-Karamah in Gaza City, who told ABC News he lacks the resources to relocate further south and fears for his life amidst the escalating conflict. The IDF spokesperson, Effie Defrin, indicated that the operation in Gaza City could last several months.
The human cost of the conflict continues to rise. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported over 65,000 Palestinian deaths, while Israeli officials cite over 1,200 deaths in Israel following Hamas's October 7th attack, alongside approximately 250 kidnappings. The Gaza health ministry also reported 98 deaths in the past 24 hours due to Israeli military actions, including seven aid workers. The scale of displacement shown by the satellite imagery paints a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Originally published at: https://abcnews.go.com/International/satellite-images-show-mass-evacuation-northern-gaza-amid/story?id=125669600
