Israeli shelling on the Gaza Strip renewed this Friday evening, targeting several areas in the region, including houses in Khan Yunis and northern Beit Lahia, resulting in casualties and injuries. Those who responded to the call to evacuate to the Gaza valley in the south were not spared from the shelling, which hit them as well. According to reports, a convoy heading to the Gaza valley was bombarded, causing the deaths of about 70 individuals and injuring 200, mostly women and children. The Israeli army reported that ground and armored forces raided the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours to track down hostages, estimating their number to be around 120 in Gaza. Concurrently, the Israeli Communications Minister announced that all internet services in Gaza would be halted starting Saturday. This came as thousands of Palestinians fled from Gaza today towards the south following warnings issued by the Israeli army, which were rejected by Hamas, with the United Nations affirming that this affected 1.1 million people and would have "devastating" consequences. Residents living in the northern part of the strip left in cars, on motorcycles, in trucks, and on foot.
Urgent Aid
The UAE announced today that it had sent urgent medical aid to the Egyptian city of Al-Arish to be delivered to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing.
United Nations
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stated at a press conference that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is in continuous contact with Israeli authorities, urging them to "avoid a humanitarian disaster." Dujarric emphasized the necessity for Israeli authorities to protect all civilians, including those in UN shelters in Gaza. He added that no aid is currently reaching Gaza as the border crossings remain closed.
France
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna disclosed to France 5 television today that the deaths of 15 French citizens have been confirmed from the attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization called in a statement for an immediate cancellation of the evacuation order issued for areas in Gaza to put an end to the suffering.
Israeli Representative
The Israeli representative at the United Nations viewed the evacuation order in Gaza as "temporary" and aimed at "mitigating the damage to civilians."
