Residents Flee Southward in Gaza Following Israel’s Mass Evacuation Directive and Limited Military Incursions

In the wake of a violent, expansive assault by Hamas into Israel, Palestinians hastily vacated the northern regions of Gaza this past Saturday. The Israeli armed forces directed nearly 50% of the area’s populace to evacuate toward the south, also executing brief ground incursions as a precursor to a potential land operation.

As Israel amplified its evacuation messages through aerial leaflet drops and social media, Hamas countered by advising residents to remain in their homes. International humanitarian organizations and the United Nations have cautioned that such an abrupt population shift could result in extensive human suffering, particularly for those unable to move, such as hospital patients.

Traffic choked the main roadways leading away from Gaza City as residents, loaded with belongings, sought refuge in cars, trucks, and even animal-drawn carts. This exodus occurred under the backdrop of ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which exacerbated already dwindling supplies of essentials such as food, water, and fuel due to an all-encompassing Israeli blockade.

Egyptian authorities announced that the Rafah border crossing to the south would reopen later in the day, marking its first operational period in several days, to permit foreign nationals to exit. Israel stated that Palestinians could travel safely within Gaza along two primary routes during specific daytime hours.

According to the Israeli military, hundreds of thousands have already complied with the evacuation order, although many face obstacles like ruined roads and fuel scarcity, which are complicating their southward journeys.

Overcrowding was reported at a U.N.-administered school in Deir al-Balah, repurposed as a temporary shelter, where evacuees slept in makeshift conditions. One evacuee from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, Howeida al-Zaaneen, described the desperate circumstances, lacking even basic comforts like a mattress.

Israeli forces conducted short-term raids within Gaza, targeting militants and searching for evidence related to the abduction of approximately 150 individuals—comprising men, women, and children—during the shocking October 7 Hamas assault on southern Israel.

The Gaza Health Ministry disclosed that the death toll on the Palestinian side has exceeded 2,200, including 724 children and 458 women. Israel reported more than 1,300 casualties, predominantly civilians, and around 1,500 Hamas combatants killed in the conflict.

Amid concerns over a mass exodus, Egyptian authorities have erected temporary protective barriers at the Rafah crossing, which had been previously closed due to Israeli bombardment. Two anonymous Egyptian officials confirmed this development.

The international community remains deeply involved. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan urged Israel to exercise caution to protect civilian lives in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas claimed that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 13 hostages, a statement that the Israeli military has refuted.

Public opinion within Israel strongly favors military action, although international concerns continue to mount over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite the immense challenges and risks, the Israeli military maintains that its evacuation directive aims to protect civilians and prevent their exploitation as human shields by Hamas.

Humanitarian agencies underscore the severity of the situation, including the critical shortage of fuel necessary for safe drinking water. The United Nations has warned that without immediate intervention, severe dehydration could result in additional loss of life, especially among young children.

As the crisis unfolds, Palestinians in Gaza face a painful choice between fleeing and staying, each option fraught with peril, as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the territory, including regions where residents have been directed to relocate.

Contributions to this report were made by correspondents from various locations, including Jerusalem, Baghdad, Cairo, El-Arish in Egypt, Beirut, and Riyadh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza Evacuation

More about Gaza Evacuation

• United Nations Statement on Gaza Evacuation
• U.S. Department of State Press Release
• Report on Gaza’s Essential Supplies
• Palestinian Health Ministry Statistics
• Expert Analysis on Possible War Crimes
• Israel Defense Forces Official Statement
• Egypt’s Role in Gaza Crisis: Official Statement
• Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry’s Comments on Gaza
• U.N.-run Schools in Gaza as Shelters
• Casualty Report from Israeli Side