By Solcyré Burga

Copyright time

Israel’s military launched its latest offensive against what it described as the “main stronghold of Hamas,” despite fierce criticism from the international community.

The ground operation began on Tuesday, the day after the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry determined that Israel has committed a genocide in Gaza. Israel denounced the report, claiming it “relies entirely on Hamas falsehoods.”

The Israeli military has ordered civilians to move south to a “humanitarian zone.” A coast road that leads south is reportedly packed as families flee by car or on foot. Still, hundreds of thousands of civilians remain in the city, deterred by fears of overcrowding in southern Gaza, dire conditions, high transportation costs, poor health, and the risk of permanent displacement.

Another temporary evacuation route via Salah al-Din has been opened, according to a statement by an IDF spokesperson posted on Telegram. The route will only be open for 48 hours starting at noon local time on Wednesday.