Escalation of Violence in Gaza Forces Families to Flee Amid Protests and Attacks on Journalists

Israeli forces have compelled Palestinian families to evacuate their homes in both eastern and northern Gaza, prompting residents to seek refuge while transporting their belongings via cars, donkey carts, and on foot. The Israeli military has declared that its operations will escalate and extend westward towards central Gaza City, indicating a looming increase in hostilities.

Retired British Army colonel Richard Kemp has publicly dismissed claims regarding Israeli attacks on humanitarian sites associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, labeling them as false in a video shared on social media amidst ongoing gunfire in the background. Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian protest in front of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s residence resulted in the arrest of demonstrators who called for the liberation of Palestine and criticized the Prime Minister's stance.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced backlash after denouncing illegal Israeli settlers as "terrorists" for perpetrating violence against Palestinians, a statement made during a BBC interview. On June 29, disturbances erupted at a military base in Beit El, where clashes occurred between Israeli settlers and military forces following the designation of a Palestinian village as a closed military zone after a prior attack.

The situation in Gaza worsened on June 30 when an Israeli missile strike on al-Baqa cafeteria on Gaza City beach resulted in at least 20 fatalities, including a Palestinian journalist. This specific location was one of the limited areas permitting journalists to have internet access for coverage, making the attack particularly devastating. Reports indicate that at least 33 individuals died in this strike, leading to further accusations against Israel for systematically targeting journalists, with 228 reported deaths since October 7, 2023, rendering Gaza a perilous environment for press members. RSF campaign director Rebecca Vincent condemned Israeli forces for inhibiting media coverage in Gaza and deliberately targeting journalists.