In brief
The Israeli military has issued an urgent evacuation order for all residents of Gaza City, warning them of an imminent ground offensive targeting Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that air strikes are just a prelude to a more extensive operation. The directive comes in light of rising civilian displacement and humanitarian crises, with criticisms echoing globally regarding the potential for forced displacement under international law.
Israel has warned all residents of Gaza City to leave immediately in anticipation of a huge ground offensive.
The military's Arabic spokesman told as many as one million Palestinians living in Gaza's biggest urban centre to evacuate southwards. 'Remaining in the area is extremely dangerous,' he said.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said air strikes that had destroyed high-rise buildings in Gaza City in recent days were 'only the beginning of the main, intensive operation' to capture what he has described as Hamas's last important stronghold.
Hamas, in response, labeled Netanyahu's comments as a 'public demonstration of a fully-fledged crime of forced displacement'.
Israel's plan to conquer Gaza City has also brought international criticism. The UN has warned that an escalation in the offensive on an area already affected by famine could lead to a 'deeper catastrophe' for civilians.
Overnight, further Israeli air strikes targeted buildings allegedly used by Hamas for launching attacks against its troops, and Netanyahu stated that around 50 high-rises had been destroyed over the weekend.
Photos circulated showed civilians leaving Gaza City through southern routes, but not in mass numbers. Many families reported uncertainty about where to go, and a mother expressed her emotional burden over her family’s safety.
This order to evacuate raises serious humanitarian concerns, with a reported shortage of safe spaces and a stark warning that this could amount to forced transfer under international law.
UN officials noted that the situation is critical, with over 97,000 newly displaced since mid-August alone.
