An Israeli attack in northern Gaza has killed at least 20 people, according to medics, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to issue further evacuation orders.

 

Sam Rose, the senior deputy director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, told the BBC that many Palestinians are choosing to ignore evacuation orders and remain where they are. According to Rose, after enduring the conflict for so long, people are simply exhausted and are exercising what little control they have left by deciding to stay put.

He also noted that some individuals are unable to leave due to the intensity of the conflict, with only around 100 people managing to cross the southern checkpoint. Rose emphasized that when evacuation orders are issued, residents often have just minutes to make life-or-death decisions.

Describing the immense fear, humiliation, and degradation that people are experiencing, Rose expressed how difficult it is to comprehend the psychological and emotional toll on those affected. He added that even if they survive, it will likely take a long time for them to recover, if at all.

Rose further mentioned that key access points to northern Gaza have been closed since late September. While UNRWA workers were able to bring in some fuel recently to power local bakeries, much more is urgently needed, especially for Gaza’s three hospitals, which are currently treating 300 patients, including eight children in intensive care on ventilators.