Israel Ordersโ Complete Evacuation of โGaza City โAhead of Expected Ground Offensive
Gaza City – Israel’s โฃmilitary issued a widespread directive Friday,October 13,2023,urging โall residents of Gaza City to evacuate southwards,signaling an imminent large-scale ground operation. the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the evacuation is intended to ensure โtheโ safety of civilians as preparations escalateโค for a thorough offensive โagainst Hamas.
According to the Unitedโค Nations,approximately one million people โreside in gaza City and surrounding areas. Israeli authorities have indicated the evacuation will be facilitated in โคcoordination with theโ UN and international organizations, withโค a focus on providing โฃaccess to drinking water, food, medical supplies, and shelter in the southern part of Gaza.
The directive follows Hamas’ alleged violation of a ceasefire agreement reached in August. Israel is demanding โthe immediate release of all hostages and the relinquishing of control over theโฃ Gaza Strip by Hamas.
Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reserve soldiers for the operation, and has been โconducting โheavy airstrikes in Gaza since the october 7th declaration of โคwar following attacks by Hamas. Israel maintains that its attacks are targeted at Hamas leaders and infrastructure,alleging they operate โขwithin civilianโ populations.