Israel’s defense ministry and military urged the relocation of 1.1 million residents from northern Gaza in the next 24 hours.
Israel’s military early Friday called for all Gaza City civilians—more than 1 million people—to relocate to the enclave’s southern regions within the next 24 hours.
It comes as the United Nations disclosed early Friday morning that it had received communication from the Israeli military and the Israeli Ministry of Defense to instruct the Palestinians in northern Gaza to relocate south.
A translation of the announcement that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had “sent to civilians of Gaza City” reads, “The IDF 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 Hamas terrorist organization waged a war against the State of Israel and Gaza City is an area where military operations take place. This evacuation is for your own safety,” the statement continues. “You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made. Do not approach the area of the security fence with the State of Israel.”
“Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City inside tunnels underneath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent Gazan civilians.
“Civilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields.
“In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians.”
Earlier Friday morning, U.N. officials in Gaza were informed by their liaison officers in the Israeli military that “the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, reported Reuters and Axios.
Mr. Dujarric underscored the humanitarian implications of this directive, noting that the region is home to around 1.1 million people. He noted that the order applies to those sheltered in U.N. facilities, including schools, health centers, and clinics.
