The Israeli army has issued an evacuation order for the northern Gaza Strip, instructing Palestinians in parts of Gaza City and nearby areas to flee immediately due to imminent military action.
According to military spokesman Avichay Adraee, Israeli forces “will operate with intense force in these areas, and these military operations will intensify and expand… to destroy the capabilities of the terrorist organisations.” This statement was made in conjunction with the evacuation order, which was posted on X alongside a map of northern Gaza.
The evacuation order directs residents to “evacuate immediately south to al-Mawasi,” which Israel describes as a “safe zone.” However, al-Mawasi has been repeatedly bombed, raising concerns about the safety of those who relocate there.
The Israeli army’s actions have been part of a broader conflict with Hamas, which has resulted in significant displacement and humanitarian crises in Gaza. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced at least once in the face of Israeli attacks.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the vast majority of the population displaced and struggling to access basic necessities like food, shelter, and clean water. The United Nations has reported that aid entering Gaza falls far short of what is required to ease the crisis.
In recent developments, the UN had begun distributing around 90 truckloads of aid in Gaza, marking the first such delivery since Israel imposed a total blockade on March 2. However, the humanitarian crisis persists, with many residents describing their situation as “unbearable”.
The Israeli army’s evacuation orders have been issued multiple times, with residents being told to move to areas designated as humanitarian zones. However, these zones have also come under attack, leading to further displacement and chaos.
The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with reports indicating that Israeli forces have killed dozens of people, including children, in recent strikes. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with concerns about potential disease outbreaks and the impact of the conflict on civilians.