Israel has closed the Al-Rasheed coastal road, the main route connecting Gaza City to the north. The announcement came on Wednesday from the Israeli army, raising fresh fears about the humanitarian situation in the enclave. 🚨
According to army spokesman Avichai Adraee on X, the road will be shut from noon onward, permitting only southbound movement. In practice, this means Palestinians who fled to southern Gaza are barred from heading back north.
Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, access to northern Gaza has been repeatedly cut off. The only respite was a brief reopening during a fragile ceasefire in January 2025. Now, with the latest closure, residents face even greater isolation.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified a ground offensive in Gaza City that began in September. Tanks have advanced into multiple neighborhoods in what the army describes as the heaviest fighting so far. The stated goal is to target Hamas fighters and free the remaining Israeli hostages.
The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced more than once since the conflict started. Humanitarian groups warn that shutting down the Al-Rasheed road will deepen northern Gaza’s isolation and hinder critical aid deliveries.
As thousands of families remain on the move, the closure adds a new layer of uncertainty. Without a safe return path, many displaced people are left searching for options while relief convoys struggle to reach those in desperate need. 🌍🤲
Reference(s):
Israel shuts return route for displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza
cgtn.com
