AP Top NewsEvacuationsGaza StripGeneral NewsIsraelIsrael governmentIsrael-Hamas warWorld News Residents Vacate Northern Gaza Following Israeli Directive to Evacuate 1 Million Amid Looming Ground Assault by Madison Thomas October 13, 2023 written by Madison Thomas October 13, 2023 10 comments Bookmark 39 Residents of northern Gaza initiated a large-scale departure on Friday following directives from the Israeli military to approximately 1 million inhabitants to relocate to the territory’s southern region. This instruction is unparalleled and anticipates a potential ground offensive against Hamas, the governing militant organization. The United Nations cautioned that such a mass displacement—equivalent to nearly half of Gaza’s population—would result in disastrous humanitarian consequences and called on Israel to retract its directive. Streams of families in various modes of transport, including cars, trucks, and donkey-drawn carts, filled with belongings, were seen departing from Gaza City even as Israeli bombardments struck regions in southern Gaza. Table of Contents Israel-Hamas Conflict: Further ReadingHumanitarian Concerns Intensify in GazaDifficult Choices for Gaza ResidentsHospitals Struggle to CopeIsrael Places Onus on HamasInternational ResponseUncertainty Surrounds Ground OffensiveFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza EvacuationWho ordered the evacuation of 1 million Palestinians from northern Gaza?What has been the reaction of the international community to this evacuation?Why has Hamas advised people to stay?What is the state of the basic amenities in Gaza currently?How many casualties have been reported?What are the fears of a wider regional conflict?How have the Palestinians in Gaza reacted to the evacuation order?How are hospitals and medical facilities coping with the situation?What is the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, doing?What role is Egypt playing in the situation?More about Gaza Evacuation Israel-Hamas Conflict: Further Reading Israel directs evacuation of 1.1 million residents from Gaza’s northern area, confirms UN Continuous Updates: Follow AP’s extensive reporting from Gaza, Israel, and globally A survivor of a music festival attack, two Hamas operatives, and a fateful decision Hamas, which had launched an unexpected and intense attack on Israel just a week prior and has since fired thousands of rockets, termed the evacuation directive as “psychological warfare” aimed at breaking communal resolve. Many individuals faced a dilemma over whether to evacuate, primarily due to the uncertainty regarding safety in a region under ongoing aerial assault from Israel. Gaza is currently isolated, lacking essential resources like food, water, and electricity. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that approximately 1,800 individuals have been killed, a majority of whom are minors or women. Israel reported that last Saturday’s assault by Hamas resulted in over 1,300 Israeli deaths, primarily civilians. About 1,500 Hamas fighters have also been killed, according to Israeli authorities. The conflict, which is just over a week old, has increased regional tensions. Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group have exchanged fire, elevating fears of a broader conflict, although the situation is presently stable on that front. Humanitarian Concerns Intensify in Gaza The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stressed that carrying out such an extensive evacuation would inevitably lead to “devastating humanitarian consequences.” He urged Israel to withdraw any such orders, warning that they could exacerbate what is already a critical situation. Difficult Choices for Gaza Residents The lack of information and safe areas have left many residents in a state of indecisiveness. Individuals have been contacting friends and relatives in southern Gaza for refuge but remain uncertain. The specter of another mass displacement looms large for Palestinians, many of whom are descendants of refugees from the 1948 war during the creation of Israel. Hospitals Struggle to Cope Healthcare providers are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the crisis. Medical staff have expressed their refusal to abandon patients, choosing instead to bid farewell to colleagues in anticipation of the worst. Israel Places Onus on Hamas Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that if Hamas obstructs the evacuation, “the responsibility lies with them.” Clive Baldwin, a senior legal adviser at New York-based Human Rights Watch, criticized the Israeli directive, emphasizing that with nowhere safe to go, the warning is ineffective. International Response Egypt has fortified its border to prevent a potential influx of Palestinians into its Sinai Peninsula. It is simultaneously attempting to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The United States has reiterated its steadfast support for Israel, intensifying concerns of an escalation in the conflict. Uncertainty Surrounds Ground Offensive While a ground invasion has yet to be officially announced, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intent to “crush” Hamas. The arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and shipments of military aid have further emboldened Israel, although a ground assault would likely escalate the humanitarian crisis and casualties on both sides. Contributors to this report include Shurafa from Gaza City, Lederer from Chicago, and Big Big News correspondents Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem, Samya Kullab in Baghdad, Samy Magdy in Cairo, and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza Evacuation Who ordered the evacuation of 1 million Palestinians from northern Gaza? The Israeli military issued an unprecedented evacuation order for approximately 1 million Palestinians to vacate the northern part of Gaza, ahead of a potential ground invasion targeting the ruling Hamas militant group. What has been the reaction of the international community to this evacuation? The United Nations has warned that such a mass movement of people, amounting to almost half the population of Gaza, could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. The U.N. has urged Israel to reverse the order. Why has Hamas advised people to stay? Hamas has labeled the evacuation order as “psychological warfare” aimed at breaking Palestinian solidarity and has advised people to remain in their homes. What is the state of the basic amenities in Gaza currently? Gaza is currently cut off from essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid. It is also under a virtual total power blackout, making living conditions extremely challenging for residents. How many casualties have been reported? The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that roughly 1,800 people have been killed in Gaza, more than half of whom are under the age of 18 or women. Israel reports more than 1,300 Israelis and approximately 1,500 Hamas militants killed during the ongoing conflict. What are the fears of a wider regional conflict? Israel has recently traded fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, fueling concerns of the conflict escalating into a broader regional war. How have the Palestinians in Gaza reacted to the evacuation order? Many Palestinians in Gaza are grappling with the decision to stay or leave, as safety remains uncertain throughout the territory, which is constantly under bombardment. How are hospitals and medical facilities coping with the situation? Hospitals are already overwhelmed with high numbers of dead and injured. Medical professionals, including spokespersons for the Palestinian Red Crescent, express concern over abandoning their patients should they evacuate. What is the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, doing? UNRWA has stated it will not evacuate its schools, where hundreds of thousands have sought shelter. However, it has relocated its headquarters to southern Gaza. What role is Egypt playing in the situation? Egypt has been alarmed by the possibility of tens of thousands of Palestinians flooding into its Sinai Peninsula and has moved thousands of security forces toward the border. It is also attempting to negotiate the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. More about Gaza Evacuation United Nations Official Statement on Gaza Israeli Military Announcements Gaza Health Ministry Updates Human Rights Watch Statement Al-Jazeera Coverage on Gaza Associated Press Live Updates Egypt’s Official Stance UNRWA Updates Hezbollah’s Recent Activities U.S. Department of State Announcements You Might Be Interested In Judge to hold hearing on ex-DOJ official’s request to move Georgia election case to federal court The Role of Weight-Loss Surgery in Lisa Marie Presley’s Death Tentative Agreement Reached Between Writers Guild and Hollywood Studios, No Resolution for Striking Actors Yet Secretary Blinken’s Visit Marks Continuing Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict Biden warns Idalia still dangerous, says he hasn’t forgotten about the victims of Hawaii’s wildfires Ryan O’Neal, star of ‘Love Story,’ ‘Paper Moon,’ ‘Peyton Place’ and ‘Barry Lyndon,’ dies at 82 AP Top NewsEvacuationsGaza EvacuationGaza StripGeneral Newshumanitarian crisisIsraelIsrael governmentIsrael-Hamas warIsrael-Palestine conflictRegional tensions.U.N. Warning Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Madison Thomas Follow Author Madison Thomas is a food journalist who covers the latest news and trends in the world of cuisine. She enjoys exploring new recipes and culinary trends, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to try. previous post A Quarter-Century After Matthew Shepard’s Passing, Advocates Warn LGBTQ+ Rights Are in Peril next post U.S. Reaffirms Support for Israel as Prospect of Gaza Ground Operation Increases You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 10 comments Maggie Harris October 13, 2023 - 5:22 pm are we just gonna watch this unfold and do nothing? Where’s the global leadership? Lives are at stake here, not just politics. Reply James Thompson October 13, 2023 - 5:42 pm Wow this is intense. Didn’t realize things had escalated to this point. I mean, where are these people supposed to go? The UN is right, it’s a calamity waiting to happen. Reply Steve Anderson October 13, 2023 - 9:42 pm History keeps repeating itself, just different players. when will we learn? Seems like a no-win situation for the innocent. Reply Rebecca Lynn October 14, 2023 - 1:33 am Why is the media not covering this more? Feels like it’s all in the background while people are dying and being displaced. Its not right. Reply Alex Goldman October 14, 2023 - 3:28 am From what I gather, nobody is the good guy here. Both sides have their own interests but its the civilians who are paying the price. Sad. Reply Nina Patel October 14, 2023 - 5:47 am This is horrifying. children and women making up half the casualties? What has the world come to? Reply Kevin Miller October 14, 2023 - 7:21 am Can’t believe what im reading. whats the endgame here for both sides? Seems like there’s no easy way out of this mess for anyone. Reply Tom Clarkson October 14, 2023 - 7:29 am Egypt’s also got a role here, they’re beefing up security but what about humanitarian aid? Seems like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Reply Samantha Davis October 14, 2023 - 9:50 am Israel says it wants to avoid civilian casualties but ordering a million people to move where? Seems like a complicated situation all round. Reply Brian Adams October 14, 2023 - 11:47 am Hamas and Israel both need to step back. Too many lives are being lost and for what? This isn’t gonna solve anything in the long run. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ