Israel has ordered all residents of Gaza City to leave the area immediately. Gaza City is home to nearly one million Palestinians. The evacuation order comes as Israel plans a major military operation to take control of the city. The order was announced by Avichay Adraee, the Israeli Defense Forces’ Arabic spokesperson, on Tuesday.
Israel’s Evacuation Order for Gaza City
Avichay Adraee told the residents, “To all residents of Gaza City and all its neighborhoods, from the Old City and Tuffah in the east to the sea in the west. The IDF is determined to defeat Hamas and will operate in the Gaza City area with great force, just as it did throughout the Strip.”
He urged the residents, “For your safety, evacuate immediately via the Rashid axis toward the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi.” This message was not only broadcasted but also printed on leaflets. These leaflets included maps showing the safest routes for people in northern Gaza to travel westward toward the coast before heading south.
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The evacuation warning followed a strong statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He warned Palestinians on Monday, saying, “This is only the beginning of the intensified ground maneuver in Gaza City.” Netanyahu’s warning came hours after Israel increased airstrikes in the area.
Israel’s military has been attacking high-rise towers and crowded areas in Gaza City. The army believes that by taking over Gaza City, it will weaken the influence of Hamas. Israel claims that Hamas, a group it considers a terrorist organization, has been controlling the area and using it for attacks.
The Ground Operation and Its Impact
The Israeli military has already expanded its operations in Gaza City. It says that it now controls about 40% of the city. This includes several important locations where Hamas fighters have been operating.
However, despite the evacuation order, only a small percentage of the population has left so far. A senior Israeli official told reporters on Wednesday that only about 70,000 people had evacuated. This number is less than 10% of Gaza City’s total population.
The official also shared that only 3,000 tents have entered Gaza so far. His goal is to deliver 100,000 tents within three weeks. He added, “We want to flood Gaza with tents.” This shows Israel’s attempt to prepare for the needs of those displaced by the evacuation.
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have been working together to provide humanitarian aid. The two countries plan to increase the number of aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) from four to 16. An Israeli official told CNN that this plan is still in progress, and it is unclear if all new sites have been set up yet.
Some residents of Gaza City have shared their feelings about the evacuation. A few told reporters that they would rather die in their homes than leave and be displaced again. Their words show how difficult and painful the situation has become for many families.
Humanitarian Efforts and Challenges in Gaza
The evacuation has created a huge challenge for humanitarian efforts. Providing shelter and support to such a large number of people is not an easy task. The military’s goal of delivering 100,000 tents shows that Israel is trying to respond to the crisis. However, with only a small number of tents delivered so far, many residents are struggling.
The expansion of aid sites is expected to help, but it has not yet fully materialized. Many displaced families are still waiting for the necessary supplies like food, water, and shelter. The humanitarian agencies are working hard to assist the population, but the speed and scale of the crisis have made it hard to keep up.
The conflict has affected not only Gaza City but also the surrounding areas. The evacuation routes are crowded, and transportation is difficult. Families are forced to leave their homes with only a few belongings. Many are searching for safe places to stay, while others are trapped by damaged infrastructure and limited access to help.
Despite the warnings and the evacuation order, some people have stayed behind, unwilling to leave their homes. They fear losing their possessions, memories, and sense of belonging. Others are uncertain about where they can go and how they will survive without proper assistance.
The situation remains tense, and the evacuation continues amid ongoing military actions. Authorities and humanitarian groups are trying to provide support, but the challenges remain enormous.