First, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a full evacuation of civilians out of Gaza City. He wants to relocate them to “safe zones” in the country’s south before undertaking a new, expanded military offensive. This announcement comes against a backdrop of escalating violence and destruction in areas such as Zeitoun and Shejaia. Heavy Israeli aerial bombardments and tank fire have already destroyed thousands of homes in these zones.
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of protecting civilian lives during the military operations, stating, “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza.” Their office says reports are rolling in indicating residents are facing a terrible hunger emergency. This has resulted in widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis across the enclave.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, even acknowledged that the planning for the next offensive is apparently still in the works. Despite international concern regarding the humanitarian situation, the U.S. has not indicated any intention to accept Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian Assistance and Evacuations
According to the UNRWA, beginning this Sunday, residents of Gaza will be given tents and tent building supplies as part of the evacuation order. The United Nations and other international relief organizations are ready to deliver this critical support. They plan to bring it in through the Kerem Shalom crossing into southern Gaza. Prior to transportation, all materials will be inspected by Israeli defense ministry security staff.
The intent of the violent new operations, especially in Zeitoun, is to find explosives, tunnel, and militant threats and kill them. With these military actions escalating, hundreds or potentially thousands of families are bracing for displacement while expecting an escalation of violence. Although this deplorable and tragic state of affairs has long since produced a humanitarian catastrophe across neighborhoods most affected by air bombardment,
Almost 120 Palestinians have arrived to Italy for medical care. Just last week, three chartered planes carried patients and their relatives from Gaza to destinations such as Rome, Milan and Pisa. Unfortunately, a 20-year-old Palestinian woman succumbed to her illness after being evacuated to Italy in a critical health condition.
“This policy will have a devastating and irreversible impact on our ability to bring injured and critically ill children from Gaza to the United States for lifesaving medical treatment — a mission that has defined our work for more than 30 years,” – The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Ongoing Military Operations and International Response
The Israeli military’s operation in Gaza has set off warning bells around the world. The operation as it’s currently conceived would be a bid, with considerable risk, to gain control over northern Gaza City. This space is extremely populated, accommodating an estimated 2.2 million individuals. Observers, of course, have raised substantial concerns about the potential humanitarian fallout from any such actions.
In addition to military efforts, the U.S. has issued over 3,800 visitor visas in 2025 for medical treatment to holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents from Gaza. These permits allow seriously ill people to receive the critical medical treatment only available in the U.S. They highlight the health care emergency in the area.
Even as the humanitarian landscape grows more dire, the Israeli government doubles down on its defense of starvation as a method of warfare. Netanyahu’s statements are at odds with the reality faced by millions of residents who are dying from food deprivation and not receiving medical assistance.
“Stop starving Gaza” – Protesters in New York.
The Impact on Families and Children
With families getting ready to move often in the thick of all this disarray, increasing numbers of parents are understandably anxious about their children’s safety and happiness. The impact of sustained U.S. military presence has adult and child victims registered in psychological and humanitarian emergencies. The need for humanitarian assistance becomes more dire as more families continue to be forced from their homes.
The international community continues to look on with trepidation as the situation in Gaza continues to develop. The plight of children and families influences public opinion worldwide, prompting protests calling for immediate action to alleviate their suffering.
