Most cannot afford to flee Gaza City as Israel begins its attack

Reports from Gaza City suggest many Palestinians simply cannot afford to flee south to the so-called “humanitarian zone” as ordered by Israel.

Citing Palestinians in the coastal city, a reporter for Israeli TV channel N12 said on Tuesday that the cost of a rental car to transport their belongings had skyrocketed to 5,000 shekels, the equivalent of almost $1,500.

Other reports from Gaza City put the cost of a rented transport vehicle for the approximately 30-kilometre journey to the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone at between 3,000 and 6,000 shekels.

However, the majority of the approximately 2 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip live in extreme poverty and without a steady source of income.

The Israeli military launched a ground offensive in Gaza City during the night. The military spokesman repeated the call in Arabic for civilians remaining there to quickly move to the south of the sealed-off coastal area.

“Gaza City is a dangerous combat zone,” the statement said. “Remaining in the city puts you in danger.”