Thousands of Palestinians evacuated their homes

Thousands of Palestinian residents of the northern Gaza Strip have fled their homes and sought safety in UN shelters following threats by the Israeli regime of imminent plans to bomb the area.

Early Sunday, the Israeli war planes dropped leaflets around the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia urging people to evacuate their homes. The Israeli aggressors claim much of the Palestinian rocket fire has come from the area.

The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, said some 17,000 Palestinians had headed to special shelters set up in 20 United Nations schools in Gaza.

“The fact that in a span of almost a few hours, 10,000 people sought refuge in these 15 schools is an indication to the difficult situation on the ground,” said Sami Mshasha, a UNRWA spokesman.

Some raced by in pickup trucks, waving white flags. “Once we received the message, we felt scared to stay in our homes. We want to leave,” said one resident, Mohammed Abu Halemah.

At least 172 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began on Tuesday, according to health officials in Gaza.

The Israeli regime claims it is targeting Hamas fighters and their sites. However, the United Nations has estimated that 77% of the people killed in Gaza have been civilians.

The regime’s military officials further state that they have launched more than 1,300 airstrikes, while Palestinian militants have launched more than 800 rockets at Israel. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says 166 people have been killed, including dozens of civilians.