Gaza city: Reports from Gaza City suggest many Palestinians simply cannot afford to flee south to the so-called 'humanitarian zone' as ordered by Israel.
According to Ghana News Agency, citing Palestinians in the coastal city, a reporter for Israeli TV channel N12 said 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.
The majority of the approximately 2 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip live in extreme poverty and without a steady source of income. The financial burden of escaping the city has become insurmountable for many residents, leaving them trapped in the conflict zone.
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."
