Palestinians endure intense bombardment amid sudden evacuation order
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Witnesses in Shujaiya described a scene of terror as Israeli military vehicles approached amidst ongoing airstrikes and shelling.
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Israeli army tanks are seen in Wadi Gaza, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
AFP reported on Thursday that Palestinians are facing intensified bombardment on Thursday amid calls from the Israeli occupation forces to evacuate Gaza city's eastern district of Shujaiya.
Witnesses and medical personnel told AFP that the area witnessed heavy fighting and numerous casualties. Overnight and into Thursday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least six individuals in northern Gaza, while attacks continued in Khan Yunis to the south.
Witnesses in Shujaiya described a scene of terror as Israeli military vehicles approached amidst ongoing airstrikes and shelling. Residents were urged to evacuate to a designated "humanitarian zone" approximately 25 kilometers south of the area.
Footage captured residents fleeing on foot, carrying their belongings through debris-laden streets.
The occupation army suddenly entered the Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza city without warning, killing and displacing people, there are many massacres against the displaced citizens. pic.twitter.com/YoU4z3WRCb
— Mustafa Barghouti @Mustafa_Barghouti (@MustafaBarghou1) June 27, 2024
The Palestinian Resistance responded to the situation, accusing Israeli forces of launching a ground invasion and reporting casualties among fleeing civilians.
Dr. Muhammad Ghurab from Gaza City's Al-Ahli hospital reported receiving seven fatalities, including four children, and numerous injuries as Israeli forces advanced eastward in Shujaiya.
Omar Sukar, a resident, recounted witnessing strikes as locals gathered for drinking water. "The water truck had just arrived when the shelling began," he told AFP.
Amidst the turmoil, a displaced Gazan woman expressed devastation over the ongoing violence and displacement of families. "We lost our children and homes, and we keep fleeing from place to another."
Read more: Thousands of Palestinian children buried under rubble in Gaza: UNICEF
Israeli media expose gap in Israeli vs. UN tally on Gaza destruction
Earlier today, a report published by Ynet revealed that an Israeli analysis conducted by the Israeli army suggests significantly less damage to Gaza's infrastructure from the ongoing war compared to international reports.
Israeli data claim that approximately 16%, or around 36,000 of Gaza's permanent structures, have been irreparably damaged during the war. In contrast, UN assessments based on satellite surveys have reported damage to about 50% of structures, with some media outlets suggesting as much as 70% destruction based on similar satellite analyses.
Ynet reporter Yoav Zitun acknowledged significant discrepancies—sometimes up to 70%—between "Israel's" claims and data from international bodies regarding the true extent of the damage in the Gaza Strip since October 7.
The correspondent explained that it is "inconceivable" to assume that the data provided by the Israeli army is closer to reality, and it could also be presented to international courts and foreign investigative committees that will investigate the actions of the Israeli army and "Israel" at the end of the war.
