**Israeli military operations have intensified in central Gaza, particularly in Deir al-Balah, alarming locals and prompting evacuations as tensions rise.**
**Israeli Forces Intensify Operations in Central Gaza Amid Hostilities**
**Israeli Forces Intensify Operations in Central Gaza Amid Hostilities**
**Military Strikes Target Deir al-Balah, Causing Panic Among Residents Seeking Shelter**
The Israeli military has escalated its offensive in central Gaza, specifically targeting the city of Deir al-Balah, which had previously been relatively unaffected during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The military's actions included a raid on a World Health Organization (WHO) facility, which has sparked widespread fear among the populace who regard this area as a sanctuary from violence.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, reported that during the raid, Israeli forces handcuffed male staff and their families while forcibly evacuating women and children southward. The Israeli military acknowledged the raid but justified their actions by claiming they were responding to gunfire while conducting operations in the region, insisting that they operated within international law parameters.
For months, Israeli troops have conducted extensive airstrikes and ground operations across Gaza, but Deir al-Balah remained largely untouched, partly due to belief among Israeli officials that hostages were held in the area. Recently, the military issued warnings for residents to evacuate parts of the city, hinting at an impending ground offensive.
With the new military strikes and operations beginning in and around the city, uncertainty looms over how extensive the assault might become. Though Israeli troops have not yet moved into the densely populated city center, fears of an imminent ground assault have led many residents to flee the area, despite the chaos and disorder already in sight.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, reported that during the raid, Israeli forces handcuffed male staff and their families while forcibly evacuating women and children southward. The Israeli military acknowledged the raid but justified their actions by claiming they were responding to gunfire while conducting operations in the region, insisting that they operated within international law parameters.
For months, Israeli troops have conducted extensive airstrikes and ground operations across Gaza, but Deir al-Balah remained largely untouched, partly due to belief among Israeli officials that hostages were held in the area. Recently, the military issued warnings for residents to evacuate parts of the city, hinting at an impending ground offensive.
With the new military strikes and operations beginning in and around the city, uncertainty looms over how extensive the assault might become. Though Israeli troops have not yet moved into the densely populated city center, fears of an imminent ground assault have led many residents to flee the area, despite the chaos and disorder already in sight.
