Gaza City residents refuse to leave as Israel announces new 'humanitarian zone,' expands military operations

GAZA/DOHA -- Residents of Gaza City are saying no to leave, despite Israel's announcement earlier in the day of a new "humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza's Khan Younis ahead of its planned operation to capture Gaza City.

"They want us to move to a place that is already overcrowded," Samer Abu Samra, a 38-year-old father of four, told Xinhua. "We cannot afford transportation or tents. People are exhausted and coming from hunger."

"I lived displacement in the south before, and it was the worst experience of my life," said Nasser al-Attar, a teacher in Gaza City. "The south is not safe either, so staying here is not heroism. It is simply because there is no alternative."

"We have nothing left to lose but our lives," said Umm Mohammed Jaber. "But displacement also means losing dignity, so we will remain here."

Om Alaa Abu Ajwa, putting up a tent near the Gaza beach, told Xinhua life in the south has become "impossible."

"We decided to return despite the risks. At least we die in our city rather than in tents without water or food," she said.

"They tried siege, starvation, and bombardment," said 60-year-old Abu Luay outside his half-destroyed home in al-Shati refugee camp, northern Gaza.

"Their goal is to evacuate the city, but we believe staying is the only option left," he said.

According to estimates by local activists, about 80 percent of Gaza City residents have chosen not to leave.

Earlier on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the designated "humanitarian zone," in a statement, "in light of the expansion of the ground operation in Gaza City and the takeover of Hamas strongholds as part of Operation Gideon's Chariots II."

It said the "humanitarian zone," which contains key humanitarian infrastructure, will ensure the continued delivery of food, tents, medicines and medical equipment.

Over the past weeks, the Israeli military has expanded its operations in Gaza City and other areas of the coastal enclave, saying the goal is to eliminate Hamas. Palestinian sources said Israel's targeting of residential towers has become more frequent in recent days.