Israeli tanks head towards the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel on Thursday, Oct.12, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
By Smartencyclopedia with agencies
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order for all civilians in Gaza City, directing them to leave the city within 24 hours. This order comes after Israel warned it wants the evacuation of all 1.1 million people from the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military claims that Hamas militants are hiding in tunnels under the city and that this evacuation is for the safety of the civilians.
The order for a broad evacuation, given to the United Nations shortly before midnight, applies to all of Gaza’s northern region, including U.N. staff and the hundreds of thousands taking shelter in U.N. schools and other facilities.
The possibility of an impending ground offensive is suggested by these evacuation orders, although the Israeli military has not confirmed such a move. On Thursday, they stated that they were preparing for a ground maneuver but had not made a final decision.
Israel’s military has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza, causing severe damage to the territory and a humanitarian crisis. The ongoing hostilities have led to a significant number of casualties on both sides. The Israeli government has imposed a complete siege on Gaza and halted deliveries of basic necessities and electricity, demanding the release of Israeli hostages taken during a recent cross-border attack by Hamas.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s visit to Israel and the delivery of U.S. weapons have provided support to Israel in its retaliation against Hamas. This situation has raised concerns about a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as essential services such as electricity and healthcare are at risk.
The Israeli military’s targeting decisions are based on intelligence, and they claim to warn civilians before strikes. However, Palestinians in Gaza report that some are unable to escape or have nowhere to go, and entire families have been crushed under rubble.
As the conflict continues, both Israelis and Palestinians are mourning the loss of their loved ones, and there is growing anger over Israeli military and intelligence failures. Israel has mobilized reservists, massed additional forces near Gaza, and evacuated residents from nearby communities.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire and concern about the impact on civilians, the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with no immediate resolution in sight.