The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, issued a stark warning on Saturday, stating that over one million residents of Gaza City are at risk of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement amid relentless Israeli bombardment.

In a statement, Hamas condemned the “unprecedented ferocity” of Israel’s attacks, accusing the occupation of surpassing historical atrocities by deliberately targeting residential towers, schools, and shelters.

The movement called for global solidarity, urging people worldwide to “take to the streets and public squares” to demand an end to what it described as ongoing genocide in Gaza. Hamas also pressed Arab and Islamic states to act swiftly to uphold humanitarian law and protect civilians. The group accused the United States of complicity, claiming Washington provides unconditional political cover to Israel, shielding its leaders from accountability.

Hamas’ warning follows admissions by former Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who revealed that more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured in Gaza. Halevi acknowledged that Israeli military operations faced no restrictions from legal advisors, stating, “not once has anyone restricted me.” In the past 24 hours alone, Gaza hospitals reported 47 martyrs and 205 wounded, with dozens more trapped under rubble or lying in the streets, unreachable due to ongoing shelling and the deliberate targeting of rescue teams. Since October 7, 2023, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 64,803, with 164,264 wounded.

Israel’s campaign has also extended beyond bombardment, weaponizing famine and humanitarian aid. Over 420 Palestinians, including 145 children, have died due to an Israeli-imposed famine, while 2,484 were killed and 18,117 wounded while seeking aid, highlighting the systematic policies targeting Gaza’s civilian population.

The destruction across Gaza is staggering. The United Nations reports that 92% of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Since August 6, over 1,000 buildings in Gaza City alone have been razed. Israeli strikes have also targeted 181 shelters and displacement centers, with massacres reported at educational institutions, including Al-Zaytoun School, where 22 Palestinians, including 13 children and six women, were killed. Other attacks struck Kfar Qasim School in al-Shati refugee camp and Al-Farabi School near al-Yarmouk Stadium.

Hamas reiterated its urgent call for international action to stop the violence, hold Israel accountable, and prevent further forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes against Gaza’s population. (ILKHA)