Israeli army orders northern Gaza residents to evacuate

GAZA — After more than 100 airstrikes since Saturday evening, the Israeli army issued a new warning to residents of northern Gaza on Sunday morning, urging them to evacuate their homes and relocate to the Al-Mawasi area in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that “the region remains an active combat zone,” and emphasized the importance of adhering to evacuation orders.

He indicated that two main roads, Al-Rashid Street (coastal road) and Salah al-Din Street, have been designated as open “humanitarian corridors” to facilitate the movement of residents to the designated “humanitarian zone” in Al-Mawasi.

Throughout the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel has repeatedly ordered mass evacuations to designated “safe” or “humanitarian” areas. However, human rights organizations and international observers have condemned these orders, citing the inhumane conditions they create and the suffering they inflict on Palestinians. Reports have indicated that Palestinians are often subjected to attacks by the Israeli military both during their relocation and after reaching these designated areas.

On July 13, the Israeli army targeted displaced persons’ camps in Al-Mawasi, resulting in the deaths of more than 90 Palestinians and nearly 300 injuries, according to official Palestinian sources.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza has continued unabated following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. Local health authorities report that over 41,800 people have been killed, predominantly women and children, with more than 96,900 others injured.

The ongoing military campaign has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza, exacerbated by a blockade that has led to critical shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. — Agencies