Thousands of Palestinian families in southern Gaza are being forced to abandon their homes and shelters, previously designated as "safe zones," as the Israeli army's invasion of Khan Younis intensifies. This comes after a month-long direct occupation of the northern parts of the Strip. Residents of the area find themselves with nowhere left to run, facing heavy bombardment and destruction.

Over the past few days, the situation in Khan Younis has deteriorated significantly. Israeli tanks entered the city of Deir al-Balah, effectively cutting off the main highway that runs through the Strip from north to south. This was followed by intense bombardment, including the razing of six residential towers in Hamad Town. Currently, Israel's tanks are advancing into the outskirts of the city.

The resumption of hostilities on Friday was marked by Israeli warplanes dropping leaflets in eastern Khan Younis, ordering residents to move towards the center. This led to an influx of terrified individuals seeking shelter in hospitals, universities, and schools supported by the government and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The population of the city had already tripled due to displacement from the northern parts of Gaza.

In an effort to further control the movement of residents, the Israeli army provided an interactive map dividing the entire Gaza Strip into 2,400 numbered segments. This proved challenging for most people, given the difficulties they face in maintaining an internet connection. Subsequently, evacuation orders were issued for various areas in Khan Younis and the surrounding towns, including Al-Qarara, Khirbet Al-Adas, Khuza'a, and Abasan.

According to reports, some residents were instructed to head west towards the coastal area of Al-Mawasi, while others were directed towards the Rafah crossing with Egypt in the south. These forced evacuations seem to align with a leaked proposal from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to forcibly relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians across the border into Egypt, and subsequently to Europe and Africa via the sea.

The displacement of families, who are already fleeing for the second or third time since the war began, has left them stranded without shelter in the streets, completely exposed to ongoing Israeli bombardment across the besieged Strip. Salim Mallouh, a 55-year-old resident of Al-Qarara, has been living there with his family for over a month after being displaced from Gaza City. Now, they are being uprooted once again, searching for safety.

As the attacks intensified, thousands of people from Khan Younis fled towards Rafah in search of shelter. However, finding refuge has proven to be a difficult task for many, leaving them hungry, thirsty, and exposed to the harsh weather conditions.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Palestinians, with displacement and destruction becoming a devastating reality for thousands. The international community is urged to take urgent action and ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by this escalating crisis.