Tue Mar 25 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Renewed Israeli Offensive in Gaza Forces Thousands to Flee Homes
**Khan Younis, Gaza/Jerusalem –** A renewed Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip has triggered a new wave of displacement, forcing thousands of families to abandon their homes just weeks after returning following a temporary ceasefire. The Israeli army’s advance into southern Gaza, specifically the Rafah area, led to the evacuation of thousands from the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood on Sunday. Residents reported being forced to flee on foot under bombardment, carrying minimal possessions during the holy month of Ramadan.
Many families had only recently returned to their homes after the initial stages of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas attack on Israel. The latest displacement has brought back harrowing memories of the war’s early days for many. Those fleeing sought refuge in Khan Younis, but face a severe shortage of shelter and basic necessities. The Rafah local government reported a critical lack of tents and resources for the displaced.
The renewed offensive follows a breakdown in negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire reached in mid-January. This ceasefire was intended to be the first of three phases leading to a lasting end to the conflict, but the second phase has been indefinitely postponed. The ongoing conflict continues to cause immense human suffering and displacement within the Gaza Strip.
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