The Israeli military issued a statement on Friday urging all residents of Gaza City to leave their homes and move towards the southern part of the territory, citing concerns for their safety.
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“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.
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Meanwhile, Hamas refused to comply with an Israeli directive instructing 1.1 million residents to leave northern Gaza in anticipation of a potential ground invasion into the densely populated Palestinian area.
“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 warned that Israel’s 24-hour evacuation order could lead to a disastrous situation.
Israeli airstrikes in the coastal enclave have resulted in the deaths of over 1,530 people since Saturday, in response to around 1,200 casualties caused by Hamas militants’ attacks in Israel.
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The Rafah crossing in Egypt is the sole passage out of Gaza that is not under Israel’s control, and it has been targeted by bombings multiple times this week.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s dedication to facilitating aid delivery to Gaza but encouraged Palestinians to “stay on their land” during a speech on Thursday.
