Palestinian families once again face displacement and uncertainty following latest Israeli orders

Palestinians in Gaza City once again face displacement after the Israeli army issued orders to evacuate ahead of military operations targeting Hamas. 

Abu Osama Bahar said he’s been displaced fifteen times since the war began in 2023. He is now uncertain where to go with his young children. 

“What did we do in this world for this to happen to us? We’re all civilians. All are woman and children fleeing,” he said. 

The IDF issued orders Friday morning for Palestinians to immediately evacuate the areas of Shajiyah, Turkman, Zaytoun and Tuffah. 

Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed last month, Israel has issued several evacuation orders across Gaza. Many Palestinians in the north of the Gaza Strip face a choice of whether to stay despite the danger or yet again face displacement. 

“We’re calling for Muslims. Have mercy on us,” said Amer al-Reefy, who was displaced from eastern Gaza. “Please have mercy on us. We’ve been displaced a billion times and we don’t know where to go.” 

Israel embarked on a major bombing campaign after the ceasefire collapsed and seized territory in what they say is an attempt to compel Hamas to release more hostages. 

Nearly 400,000 people were forced to move following the renewed assault, according to the United Nations. 

The war in Gaza started after Hamas fighters carried out an attack on southern Israel on 7 October, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

251 hostages were taken, most of whom have since been released as part of negotiations between the two parties. 59 hostages remain, 24 of which are believed to still be alive.