Israel’s military has ordered more northern Gaza residents to move south ahead of planned operations on Saturday. This follows earlier evacuation orders issued on Monday, affecting tens of thousands of Palestinians.
The military said it will conduct operations “with great force” in areas like Jabalya and Nazla, warning residents that these zones, including shelters, are considered “dangerous combat zones.” Residents were told to evacuate immediately to a designated “humanitarian zone” in Al Mawasi, which is already overcrowded and has been repeatedly targeted by airstrikes.
Flyers were dropped on Saturday morning, urging people to evacuate. However, Doctors Without Borders reported that many cannot leave due to gunfire and strikes along evacuation routes. Palestinians attempting to flee have been shot at, according to reports and footage.
The UN reported in July that 90% of Gaza’s population had been displaced, many multiple times, and aid groups have noted that ongoing evacuations complicate the delivery of emergency supplies. The World Food Programme also stated that no food has entered northern Gaza since October, putting 1 million people at risk of hunger.
