Israel Provides New Exit Route For Gaza Residents Ahead Of Ground Offensive

…Palestinian Death Toll Passes 65,000, Health Ministry Says

Israel has opened a new 48-hour corridor for Palestinians to leave Gaza City as its military campaign against Hamas intensifies.

It urged civilians to move south ahead of what it says will be a prolonged and bloody ground battle.

Hundreds of thousands remain trapped in the city despite repeated evacuation orders.

Many say they fear the dangerous journey south, dire humanitarian conditions in overcrowded camps, or the possibility of never being able to return to their homes.

“Even if we want to leave Gaza City, is there any guarantee we would be able to come back? That’s why I prefer to die here, in Sabra, my neighbourhood,” Ahmed, a schoolteacher, told Reuters.

Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 50 deaths on Wednesday from Israeli airstrikes and gunfire, including 39 in Gaza City.

According to the ministry, the overall Palestinian death toll from the two-year war has surpassed 65,000, though officials and rescue workers believe many more bodies remain buried under rubble.

The war began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Israel has since vowed to dismantle Hamas entirely.

Reuters reports that Israeli tanks have started moving towards Gaza City from multiple directions, though no major advance has yet been reported.

An Israeli official said the operation would take “months” and could pause if a ceasefire deal were reached, but for now the priority was forcing civilians out of the city.

Israel estimates that 400,000 people have already fled Gaza City, while local authorities say nearly 350,000 have moved into central and western districts.

According to Reuters, leaflets dropped over the city instructed residents to use Salahudin Road to escape before Friday afternoon.

Gaza health officials said an Israeli drone struck the Rantissi children’s hospital on Wednesday, forcing dozens of families to evacuate, though no casualties were reported.

The United Nations and international aid groups have strongly criticised Israel’s new offensive, with a U.N. inquiry this week accusing Israel of committing genocide — a claim Israel dismissed as “scandalous” and “fake.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defying global pressure, said Israeli forces would pursue Hamas leaders “anywhere,” even after airstrikes in Doha angered Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks.

Despite the new escape route, civilians continue to flee under fire, with strikes reported even on convoys heading south.