• Thousands of Palestinians are leaving Gaza City, fearing an imminent Israeli offensive.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu describes the city as Hamas' last stronghold.
• Over 61,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since the conflict escalated in October.
• Concerns grow over the humanitarian situation as 1.35 million people require emergency shelter items in Gaza.
• Egyptian and Qatari mediators are engaged in last-ditch ceasefire efforts amid continued violence.

Amid fears of an imminent ground offensive, thousands of Palestinians have begun evacuating eastern areas of Gaza City, which have been subjected to constant Israeli bombardment. Many families are relocating westward or seeking shelter further south, anticipating a significant military escalation by Israeli forces, who have expressed intentions to take control of the Gaza Strip and eliminate Hamas from the area, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The planned Israeli offensive has provoked widespread concern, leading to protests in Israel, where tens of thousands have demanded efforts to end the conflict and secure the release of approximately 50 hostages held by militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to Gaza City as Hamas's last bastion, indicating the city’s strategic importance to both sides, according to Reuters and TRT Global.

As the situation deteriorates, Egyptian and Qatari mediators have intensified their efforts to broker a ceasefire, described as potentially the "last-ditch attempt" to avoid further escalation. Notably, discussions have stalled, with past talks having ended inconclusively, heightening fears of a humanitarian disaster, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Reports indicate that the potential Israeli incursion could trigger a new wave of displacements, with humanitarian organizations estimating that at least 1.35 million people in Gaza are in need of emergency shelter. Local economist Mohammad Abu Jayyab highlighted the dire situation, noting severe shortages in adequate shelter as many families prepare to move to avoid targeting, emphasizing, “Some people learned from previous experience, and they don’t want to be taken by surprise,” according to TRT Global and Reuters.

The escalating violence that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, has claimed the lives of over 61,000 Palestinians, with most of the 2.2 million residents of Gaza having been displaced. Tragically, the Gaza health ministry reported that deaths from malnutrition and starvation have surged, raising urgent concerns about a humanitarian catastrophe as more than 263 people have died from these causes, including 112 children, since the conflict reignited, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and TRT Global.