Israel has warned all residents of Gaza City to leave immediately in anticipation of a huge ground offensive.
The military's Arabic spokesman told as many as one million Palestinians living in Gaza's biggest urban centre to evacuate southwards. Remaining in the area is extremely dangerous, he said.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that air strikes destroying high-rise buildings in Gaza City were only the beginning of the main, intensive operation aimed at capturing what he described as Hamas's last important stronghold.
Hamas has labeled these actions a public demonstration of a fully-fledged crime of forced displacement. This order for civilians to evacuate has incited fears of a humanitarian crisis, as the United Nations warns that the intensification of military operations will exacerbate the ongoing famine in the area.
Despite calls to relocate, many residents, faced with logistical and financial challenges, remain hesitant or unable to leave. Reports indicate that the scattered outflow of evacuees is more of a trickle than a mass exodus, with numerous individuals like Hanaa, a mother of three, expressing uncertainty about safe destinations.
The evacuation order follows the breakdown of talks between Israel and Hamas concerning a ceasefire, which has escalated since October 2023, when a Hamas-led attack on Israel resulted in significant casualties. Since then, significant military operations have continued, leading to a reported death toll of over 64,605 people in Gaza according to local health authorities.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the Israeli military's directive for civilians to relocate to designated humanitarian areas may constitute forced transfer under international law. Facilities in these areas are reportedly already overwhelmed, challenging their capacity to support those displaced.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with increasing calls for humanitarian intervention and advocacy for the rights of civilians caught in the conflict.
