Satellite images from MAXAR Technologies reveal a massive crowd of Palestinians gathering along Salah al Deen Road in southern Gaza as they attempt to escape via an evacuation corridor. The exact size of the crowd is unclear, but estimates suggest it could include thousands of people. Israeli forces have ordered parts of southern Gaza to evacuate, indicating a potential invasion following ground attacks in the north.

Since being forced out of the north, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge in the south, where the majority of the territory’s 2.3 million residents now reside. The situation is dire, with the United Nations’ World Food Program warning of an impending shortage of food and water, leaving Gazans on the brink of starvation.

To make matters worse, a lack of fuel has led to a complete blackout of phone and internet services across Gaza. The main telecom provider in the territory has reported the impact of this fuel shortage.

Unfortunately, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a heavy toll on both sides. Palestinian health authorities report the death toll to be over 11,000 since the war began, with an additional 2,700 individuals reported missing. Hamas militants’ attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, including an additional 240 civilians taken hostage.

The situation in southern Gaza is becoming increasingly desperate. As crowds of Palestinians attempt to flee to safety, the international community must address the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict.