Gaza City Residents Trapped Between Israeli Forces and Coastal Road Chaos

Gaza City Residents Flee as Israeli Army Advances on Centre GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - The Israeli army's push towards the centre of Gaza City from two directions has sent residents fleeing in panic, forcing them to embark on a long and treacherous journey south along the coastal al-Rashid road. According to Israeli army spokesperson Nadav Shoshani, infantry, tanks, and artillery are advancing on the inner city, backed by air force support, with the aim of applying pressure on Hamas. "We're trying to create a situation where Hamas is forced to make a choice between fighting us or evacuating their positions," Shoshani told Reuters. Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud reported that the Israeli military was advancing from both the northwest and southeast, effectively sandwiching people in the middle and pushing them towards the west of the city. "The al-Rashid coastal road is becoming a lifeline for those trying to escape, but it's also a bottleneck," Mahmoud said. As the situation unfolds, residents are facing a desperate choice: flee or stay behind. Many have been forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind belongings and livelihoods. The city's infrastructure is on the brink of collapse, with power outages and water shortages exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military operation has sparked widespread condemnation from international leaders, who are calling for a ceasefire and increased aid to the besieged population. "This is not just a conflict between Israel and Hamas - it's a humanitarian catastrophe that requires immediate attention," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. For Gaza City residents, the situation is both personal and collective. "I've lost count of how many nights I've spent without sleep, listening to the sound of gunfire and explosions," said Amal Abu Baker, a 35-year-old mother of three who fled her home on Wednesday night. "We're not just fighting for our homes - we're fighting for our lives." As the Israeli army continues its push towards the city centre, residents are bracing themselves for the worst. The al-Rashid coastal road is expected to become increasingly congested in the coming days, with aid agencies warning of a potential humanitarian disaster. In the face of this crisis, local leaders and international organizations are scrambling to provide support to those affected. "We're doing everything we can to help people evacuate safely and access basic necessities like food and water," said Mohammed al-Hadidi, head of the Gaza City Red Crescent Society. As the situation in Gaza City continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the fate of its residents hangs precariously in the balance. With no end in sight to the conflict, the international community must come together to provide aid and support to those affected - before it's too late. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*