Israel Directs Evacuation of 1.1 Million Residents in Northern Gaza, According to UN Announcement

On Friday, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for the northern region of the Gaza Strip, affecting approximately 1.1 million residents—nearly half of the area’s total population. The directive was communicated within a 24-hour timeframe, stated a United Nations spokesperson. Although not confirmed, the move may be a precursor to a ground assault by Israel, an action for which the military indicated it is making preparations but has not yet officially decided upon.

The evacuation instruction comes amid Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas militants in the territory. Stéphane Dujarric, a United Nations spokesperson, declared that complying with the order would be “unfeasible” without resulting in “catastrophic humanitarian consequences.”

Earlier in the week, Israel intensified its aerial bombardment on the Gaza Strip. It also maintained a comprehensive blockade, leaving Palestinian residents in a state of deprivation, lacking access to essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medication. This blockade will persist, Israel has indicated, until Hamas releases approximately 150 hostages captured during a grim weekend operation.

The United States has manifested its support for Israel’s retaliatory actions through a visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the provision of military supplies. This support comes despite warnings from international humanitarian organizations about the escalating crisis in Gaza. Israel has cut off electricity and other basic necessities to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and has blocked entry of supplies coming from Egypt.

Both sides have suffered unprecedented casualties in the ongoing conflict. Hamas attacks have claimed more than 1,300 lives in Israel, including 247 soldiers. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have resulted in over 1,530 deaths in Gaza, according to authorities on both sides. Thousands of individuals have also been wounded in the conflict.

The situation has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The number of people displaced due to airstrikes has surged by 25% in one day, reaching 423,000 out of a total population of 2.3 million, according to the United Nations. Many have sought refuge in U.N.-run schools.

Healthcare facilities are approaching a critical situation, running low on supplies and fuel for generators. Aid officials have warned that hospitals are only days away from losing power. Ambulance crews have found morgues overflowing, forcing them to place body bags in hospital parking lots.

Amid these grim circumstances, Egypt’s efforts to facilitate aid and fuel deliveries through the Rafah crossing have been stymied due to airstrikes in the area. Israel’s military strategy now includes the demolition of entire neighborhoods as opposed to targeted buildings.

Public sentiment in Israel is heavily against the current government, blamed for the failure to anticipate the scale of the initial attack by Hamas. This discontent has led to the resignation of Israel’s public diplomacy minister, the first crack in the governing coalition since the conflict began.

Hamas official Saleh Al-Arouri issued a warning that any ground invasion by Israel would result in severe repercussions for its military. Meanwhile, U.S. support for Israel remains steadfast, with additional meetings planned between Secretary Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as Jordan’s King Abdullah II. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is also scheduled to visit Israel later this week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Gaza Conflict

More about Israel-Gaza Conflict

• United Nations Statement on Gaza Evacuation
• Israel Military Press Release on Gaza Operation
• U.S. Department of State Briefing on Israel-Gaza Conflict
• World Health Organization Report on Gaza Health Facilities
• Analysis: Israel’s Ground Offensive Prospects
• Hamas Official Press Release on Current Conflict
• Egyptian Diplomatic Efforts in Israel-Gaza Crisis
• Report on Civilian Casualties in Gaza and Israel
• Domestic Criticism of Israeli Government
• Fuel Crisis in Gaza’s Only Power Station