Israel Declares Temporary Safe Passage for Gaza City Residents
On Wednesday, Israel's military announced the activation of a temporary route along a major thoroughfare to permit inhabitants to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip.
The decision comes as Israel launched a major military operation into the urban center, using armored vehicles and remote-controlled armored cars loaded with munitions.
Military Statement
According to a communication by spokesperson an Israeli military official, the corridor will operate for a limited period only.
Israeli forces stated that the offensive in Gaza City could last a number of months to finish.
Worldwide Criticism
This military action proceeded in spite of significant concern and a recent UN commission that accused Israel of committing war crimes in the Palestinian territory.
Israeli authorities denied the findings as false.
"Israel is set to continue the operation and refuses to serious peace talks," said world body leader the top UN official.
Political Context
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the goals of the operation were defeating the enemy and evacuating the population, leaving out any mention of freeing captives—a earlier stated war aim.
Relatives of hostages protested near the Prime Minister's residence in the capital, stating him of abandoning their family members.
Crisis Update
The Health Ministry in Gaza stated that 59 people were dead and hundreds wounded in the last day, raising the official death toll to nearly 65,000 after nearly 24 months of hostilities.
Numerous people described intense airstrikes that vibrated the ground and compelled repeated displacements.
Diplomatic Moves
EU authorities is set to propose a plan to European countries to influence Israel to alter its strategy in Gaza.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that the ground operation would exacerbate an already critical situation.
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