Israel’s army called Friday for all Gaza City residents to evacuate their homes and head south of the territory “for their safety”.
“The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) calls for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza as shown on the map,” the army said in a statement.
“In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians.”
“The Hamas terrorist organisation waged a war against the State of Israel and Gaza City is an area where military operations take place,” the army said
“Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City inside tunnels underneath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent civilians,” the statement said.
“You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made,” it said.
“Do not approach the area of the security fence with the State of Israel,” the army said.
Hamas Rejects Gaza Evacuation Order
Meanwhile, Hamas on Friday rejected an Israeli order for 1.1 million residents to evacuate northern Gaza ahead of an expected ground incursion into the overcrowded Palestinian territory.
“Our Palestinian people reject the threat of the occupation (Israeli) leaders and its call for them to leave their homes and flee from them to the south or Egypt,” the Islamist militant group said in a statement.
“We are steadfast on our land and in our homes and our cities. There will be no displacement,” it said.
The United Nations said an order by Israel to flee within 24 hours risked a “calamitous situation”.
Israeli strikes on the coastal enclave have killed more than 1,530 people since Saturday, in retaliation for Hamas militants killing around 1,200 people in attacks in Israel.
Egypt’s Rafah crossing is the only route out of Gaza not controlled by Israel and has been bombed on several occasions this week.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt remains committed to ensuring the delivery of aid to Gaza, but urged Palestinians to “remain on their land” in a speech Thursday
