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Protesters in Gaza City raised Palestinian flags and voiced their chants on Thursday. |
Tension is mounting in Gaza City as residents brace for what many fear could escalate into a new war. The densely populated city, home to locals and displaced families, faces the prospect of a major Israeli assault following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval of military plans to seize control of the area, described as one of Hamas’ last strongholds.
On Thursday, dozens of Palestinians staged a protest among the ruins of war-damaged buildings, defiantly refusing to leave their homes. Demonstrators waved flags and carried placards reading, “Stop the genocide” and “Gaza is dying.” Protesters called on the international community, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to intervene.
“We send a final call to the world: stop the war, no to displacement,” one demonstrator declared, warning that leaving Gaza would mean “the final nail” in their existence.
Netanyahu announced that Israel would deploy an additional 60,000 reserve troops and extend the service of 20,000 more to carry out the operation. He also said negotiations were underway to secure the release of remaining hostages.
The plan has sparked international concern, with critics warning that intensified military action could deepen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and place hostages at greater risk.
Residents like Mohammed Hamad, already displaced multiple times, insist they will not abandon their city. Others, such as Zakaria Bakr of Al-Shati refugee camp, fear displacement “under fire,” warning that homes could be bombed to force evacuations and that a blockade could cut off essential food supplies.
Israeli sources have indicated civilians will be given roughly two months to evacuate, with an October 7 deadline marking two years since the war began.
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