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 said air strikes that had destroyed high-rise buildings in Gaza City in recent days were only the beginning of the main, intensive operation to capture what he has described as Hamas's last important stronghold.
Hamas responded by denouncing the evacuation order as a public demonstration of a fully-fledged crime of forced displacement.
Israel's plan for military action against Gaza City has attracted international backlash. The UN has cautioned that this escalation could push civilians into an even deeper catastrophe amidst an already declared famine in the region.
The message from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been made clear through leaflets dropped over Gaza City and social media posts reminding residents of their imminent danger and advising them to evacuate for their safety.
A significant number of residents have begun fleeing south. Many expressed uncertainty about their destinations and voiced concerns over high transportation costs and uncertainty about safety.
Rescue operations were further complicated by logistical challenges, as reported by local families who shared their struggles with displacement. Hanaa, a mother of three, noted her fears and lack of viable options to evacuate. Meanwhile, another evacuee, Razan, recounted her family's difficulties as they sought refuge in cramped living conditions.
International organizations have warned that forcing people to move to declared humanitarian areas could lead to violations of international legal norms. Despite perceptions of a humanitarian setup, the area has already witnessed bombings, raising concerns about safety and the adequacy of resources available.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with the UN and other agencies highlighting the urgent need for aid and safe passage for civilians amidst escalating hostilities. Both local reports and international observations paint a vivid picture of the dire circumstances facing Gaza’s population as military operations ramp up.
