Displaced Palestinians and residents of Gaza’s capital city are packing to flee with whatever they can carry, ahead of a planned Israeli invasion. The prospect of yet another forcible move seems almost impossible for some, as CNN’s International Correspondent Paula Hancocks reports.

Jerusalem

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Gaza City residents are facing increasing uncertainty as Israel prepares for a planned invasion of the city. Many civilians, already displaced and living in makeshift shelters, are packing up to flee with whatever belongings they can carry. Israel's security cabinet has approved plans to expand military operations and seize Gaza City, a decision met with international condemnation and warnings from the United Nations about the risk of worsening the humanitarian situation.

The majority of Gaza is already under displacement orders or within militarised zones, and further forced movement could have devastating effects. Residents describe the challenges of daily life, including damaged infrastructure, limited access to basic necessities, and intensified Israeli strikes. The ongoing conflict, coupled with a heatwave, is compounding the difficulties for those remaining in the city.

Fears in Gaza City over planned Israeli invasion

Gaza City is more like a tent city these days. Buildings that are still standing are damaged. Some appear dangerously close to collapse. But even this scene of ruin is now changing. Montaser Abu al-Sadeq is one of many packing up his makeshift home, planning to flee Gaza City with whatever he and his family can carry ahead of a planned Israeli invasion of the capital. Everyone is scared, he says. People are waiting for a statement from the Israelis to evacuate the area. It could come any minute. Israel's security cabinet approved plans earlier this month to expand the war and seize the city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming it is the best way to end the war. It is a plan that has been met with international condemnation and warnings from the United Nations that it could trigger another calamity in Gaza. The prospect of yet another forcible move seems almost impossible for some. Reema al-Mazri's husband and son were injured during the war. With no money for transport, she does not know how to move them along with her young daughters. We don't know what to do, she says. Life is destroyed and living is unbearable. As Umm Mohammed Dabo bakes bread for her family of ten, she says we'll have to adapt again to find the basics like water. If they move us, things will get even harder. The UN says over 86% of Gaza is already under displacement orders or falls within Israeli militarised zones. Any attempt to force hundreds of thousands more into an ever-shrinking area would be devastating. Israeli strikes have been intensifying around Gaza City over recent weeks. 19-year-old Mira Abu-Amer says the shelling was on the outskirts of town but sounds closer since Monday. She describes how she calms her young brother. Don't be scared, Karim, this won't be the first or last time you hear that sound. It's far away, they won't do anything, so don't worry, just go to sleep now. But deep down, I know those are just empty words to say to a kid his age. He shouldn't have to get used to this. A continuing heatwave in the territory is also adding to the misery, hindering the daily hunt for food and water. As Gaza City waits for Israel's military to take over the capital, some displaced residents point out there's nothing left to occupy.

Israel has intensified its assault on Gaza City, launching a new operation to seize it while planning the forced displacement of nearly one million Palestinians to southern zones.

Israel begins Gaza City operation

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New York

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Ukraine Invasion

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Texas

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North Carolina

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East Coast of the United States

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Fears in Gaza City over planned Israeli invasion

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