The Israel Defense Forces issued an urgent evacuation order on Friday, urging residents in northern and central Gaza to leave immediately amid intensified military operations. Palestinian sources reported at least 40 fatalities from Israeli strikes and shelling, with eyewitnesses describing chaotic scenes as civilians seeking aid faced gunfire near a U.S.-backed distribution center in Rafah.
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed seven deaths and dozens of injuries from the incident, while al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza reported one killed and 39 wounded in a separate attack. Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal attributed 32 additional deaths to Israeli airstrikes across the enclave.
Hamas called for a UN-led international investigation into what it described as "blatant crimes" against Palestinians awaiting aid, demanding the resumption of humanitarian operations. Gaza health authorities stated over 6,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed military actions in March, with casualties since October 2023 surpassing 56,000.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential ceasefire within a week, though no formal proposals have been disclosed. The developments unfold as global scrutiny intensifies over Gaza's humanitarian crisis, now entering its sixth month.
