GAZA STRIP: Thousands of Gazans flooded the coastal road north on Sunday after hearing rumors that a closed checkpoint towards Gaza City had been breached, despite Israel’s denial of its opening.
Witnesses reported seeing mothers holding their children’s hands and families loading onto donkey carts with their belongings as they embarked on the journey.
Their destination was a military checkpoint on Al-Rashid Road south of Gaza City, though the Israeli army refuted claims that the route had been opened, labeling them as “not true.”
Meanwhile, on the opposite side, anxious families awaited the return of their loved ones in the rubble of Gaza’s battered main city.
Mahmoud Awdeh expressed his anticipation for his wife, who had been in Khan Yunis since the conflict began on October 7. She relayed via phone that people were moving from the southern to the northern region, and she awaited clearance from the army to make the journey safely.
Throughout the day, there were rumors of Israel allowing passage to women, children, and men over 50, which the army denied.
Since the conflict’s onset, Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza, urging residents to evacuate certain areas while restricting movement across the narrow strip.
Over 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, according to the United Nations.
Several people reported coming under attack during their journey, with AFP footage capturing scenes of people seeking shelter.
Wafa, the Palestinian official news agency, reported Israeli forces bombing displaced Palestinians as they attempted to return north through Al Rasheed Street. As result, five people including a woman was killed.
Nour, a displaced Gazan, recounted facing gunfire at the Israeli checkpoint, prompting their retreat as they sought safety.
