Israel’s military has issued a call for over one million civilians in Gaza City to relocate to the south within 24 hours as it deploys tanks near the Gaza Strip in anticipation of a potential ground invasion. This comes in the wake of increased airstrikes on Gaza by Israeli warplanes, a response to the deadliest attack by Hamas fighters in its history.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, declared, “Now is a time for war,” and Israeli military operations in Gaza City might intensify in the coming days. Subsequently, civilians will only be allowed to return when another announcement is made.
The Israeli military has urged the evacuation of Gaza City residents, citing the use of civilians as human shields by Hamas terrorists who are hiding in tunnels and buildings. On the other hand, the United Nations expressed concern that such a mass evacuation would have devastating humanitarian consequences.
Meanwhile, US Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Israeli demand, calling it unacceptable and implausible given the time frame and the large number of people involved.
The challenge of relocating half of Gaza’s population in such a short period is a logistical difficulty, given the limited space in the Gaza Strip.
The situation has escalated, with Israel vowing to annihilate Hamas, and a ground invasion of Gaza carrying significant risks, as Hamas holds scores of hostages kidnapped in the assault.
Israel claims to have struck numerous military targets in northern Gaza, including Hamas tunnels, military compounds, residences of senior operatives, and weapons storage warehouses. Gaza authorities reported a high number of Palestinian casualties.
Furthermore, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned of a potential fuel shortage at hospitals in Gaza, and the United Nations World Food Programme expressed concerns about dwindling food and fresh water supplies.
