Israel Defense Forces Expands Evacuations in Gaza Amid Dire Health Warnings for Hundreds

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On Sunday, the Israeli military directed evacuations in central Gaza, an area densely populated with displaced Palestinians where military operations haven’t previously occurred in its conflict with Hamas, as medical professionals reported that at least 30 individuals were killed while awaiting aid amidst growing hunger.

This evacuation order, potentially indicating an impending military action in Deir al-Balah, unnerved families of Israeli hostages, concerned their loved ones could be there.

Over 21 months of war have left much of Gaza devastated, with concerns heightening over increased starvation.

Health officials at Al Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza reported at least 30 Palestinians killed and dozens injured by Israeli gunfire as crowds gathered, hoping for the arrival of United Nations aid trucks.

Israel’s military indicated they are investigating the report.

Palestinian health officials said hundreds of people could soon die as hospitals were inundated with patients suffering from dizziness and exhaustion due to the scarcity of food and a collapse in aid deliveries.

“We warn that hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger,” the health ministry said.

The United Nations also said on Sunday that civilians were starving and needed an urgent influx of aid.

Leaflets were distributed by the Israeli military in several districts of southwest Deir al-Balah via airdrops, directing the many displaced Gazans sheltering there to relocate further south.

“The (Israeli) Defense Forces continues to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area,” the military said, adding that it had not entered these districts during the current conflict.

Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is because they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

Hostage families demanded an explanation from the army.

“Can anyone guarantee us that this decision won’t mean losing our loved ones?” the families expressed in a statement. Some Palestinians speculated that the focus on Deir al-Balah might be a tactic to enhance pressure on Hamas for more concessions amid prolonged ceasefire talks.

A group of protesters hold up placards with images of people's faces and Hebrew writing.

Supporters and families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza gather for a rally ahead of a march towards the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 19 July 2025. Source: EPA / Abir Sultan / EPA / AAP Images

Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

‘People who didn’t die of bombs will die of hunger’

Local health authorities said a total of 45 people had been killed in separate Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday.

Residents said it was becoming impossible to find essential food such as flour.

The Gaza health ministry said at least 71 children had died of malnutrition during the war, and 60,000 others were suffering from symptoms of malnutrition.

Food prices have increased well beyond what most of the population of more than two million can afford.

Several people who spoke to Reuters via chat apps said they either had one meal or no meal in the past 24 hours.

“As a father, I wake up in the early morning to look for food, for even a loaf of bread for my five children, but all in vain,” said Ziad, a nurse.

“People who didn’t die of bombs will die of hunger. We want an end to this war now, a truce, even for two months,” he told Reuters.

Others said they felt dizzy walking in the streets and that many fainted as they walked. Fathers leave tents to avoid questions by their children about what to eat.

UNRWA, the UN refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, demanded Israel allow more aid trucks into Gaza, saying it had enough food for the entire population for over three months which was not allowed in.

“The Israeli Authorities are starving civilians in #Gaza. Among them are 1 million children. Lift the siege: allow UNRWA to bring in food and medicines,” it wrote on X on Sunday.

Israel has denied accusations it is preventing aid from reaching Gaza and has accused Hamas of stealing food, an allegation Hamas denies. It also says the UN has not picked up aid ready to move into Gaza.