Thousands of Palestinians Relocating South as Israel Intensifies Offensive on Gaza City
Palestinians escaping Gaza City describe an unbearable reality of relentless airstrikes and a dire water shortage as they flee south through an IDF evacuation corridor
Thousands of Palestinians escaped from northern Gaza on Wednesday, journeying long distances by foot across the devastated area in response to Israel's escalated ground and air assault. A procession of individuals including women, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals traveled along Salah Eddin Street, which is one of the main north-south routes in Gaza. This route was designated as an evacuation path by the Israel Defense Forces.
A teenage girl drew a parallel between the mass movement and the "Nakba," an Arabic term that refers to the Palestinians' expulsion from their towns during the creation of Israel. The IDF has now opened an evacuation window for the fifth consecutive day, resulting in a growing number of people fleeing towards the south.
According to the UN, the number of people fleeing south increased from 2,000 on Sunday to 15,000 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Israeli government reported that 50,000 Gazans had used the evacuation corridor. Although this figure could not be independently confirmed, a CNN journalist present at the scene reported a greater number of people leaving compared to Tuesday. As a response to the October 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 individuals in Israel, Israel has escalated its offensive operations in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted on Tuesday that IDF forces were operating in the core of Gaza City, aiming to neutralize Hamas infrastructure and commanders in the area. The precise location of Israel's combat activities remains undisclosed.
"Gaza represents the most extensive terrorist stronghold ever constructed by mankind. The entire city functions as an immense terrorist hub, with an expansive network of tunnels connecting hospitals and schools underground," declared Gallant. "Our ongoing efforts revolve around dismantling this capacity."
For weeks, the IDF has been relentlessly bombarding Gaza, claiming to have targeted 14,000 sites occupied by terrorists in this heavily populated area.
In southern Gaza, an unidentified man shared with a CNN journalist the harrowing experiences he and his neighbors endured. He recounted the terrifying days they had lived through, constantly uprooting themselves from their northern Gaza residence in a futile attempt to evade the relentless airstrikes.
A satellite image shows groups of people walking along Salah a-Din road as they evacuate south from Gaza City.
"This devastating conflict spared no sacred place - neither churches nor mosques. Even now, in the alleged safe area where we sought refuge upon receiving a leaflet instructing us to evacuate, the sound of bombardment echoes relentlessly. In Gaza, there seems to be no sanctuary."
"We are a group of seven families, left with nothing as our houses have been completely destroyed. We were unable to salvage any belongings - no clothes, no water, absolutely nothing. The journey to this place was incredibly challenging, where even the slightest obstacle had to be left behind without hesitation. Tragically, we witnessed lifeless bodies scattered everywhere," shared Baraa, a 16-year-old girl who had endured a prolonged journey on foot.
"It was reminiscent of the Nakba in 2023," she remarked, alluding to the Arabic term for the forced displacement of Palestinians from their communities during Israel's establishment.
As we passed by, we witnessed the grim sight of dismembered bodies and lifeless corpses. Tanks loomed beside us, while Israeli forces beckoned us to shed our clothes and discard our possessions. The absence of water left the children utterly exhausted."
CNN has contacted the IDF for clarification regarding the accusation of evacuees being forced to discard their clothing and belongings.
Hani Bakhit, one of the evacuees, explained that they were compelled to leave due to numerous bombings. He mentioned that they had no choice but to travel on donkey carts since there were no cars available. Additionally, they lacked essential resources such as fuel and water. Bakhit attributed this situation to the actions of the Israeli forces, stating that they had cut off all supplies, forcing them to flee.
"People who have nothing to do with the resistance are being struck and feeing to the south," Khader Hamad said. "They all have children, newborns, women. There are no cars."
A Palestinian woman carries her passport and ID as she flees south on November 7.
Ahmed Zakot/Sipa USA/AP
People carried limited belongings in their arms or on their backs, while others opted to sit on carts pulled by donkeys. On Tuesday, a few individuals could be observed carrying white flags and proudly displaying their identification documents.
Abu Ida explained, "I am using a cart as it is my sole means of transportation. The fuel supply has been disrupted, and even those who own cars fear using them. Considering my diabetes, it is impossible for me to traverse this distance by foot. This cart is my only viable option."
An unidentified woman expressed, "Our lives are being utterly ruined."
"We are utterly neglected. While we may feel secure for now, I am uncertain about those who remain stranded. The whereabouts of my family are unknown to me. My siblings are lagging behind. Gripped by fear, I dared not cast a glance backward or to either side."
"We came from Al Shifa [Hospital], and we saw death on the way. Dead bodies, destruction everywhere."
