In brief
In a dire warning, the Israeli military has instructed approximately one million residents of Gaza City to evacuate south immediately, citing the imminent threat from an expanded ground assault on Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that recent air strikes have only set the stage for intensified military operations. As civilians grapple with the crisis amidst ongoing bombardments and humanitarian challenges, international bodies are voicing their concerns over potential forced displacement and worsening famine conditions in the region.
The Israeli military has warned all residents of Gaza City to leave immediately in anticipation of a huge ground offensive.
The military's Arabic spokesman told as many as one million Palestinians living in Gaza's biggest urban centre to evacuate southwards. Remaining in the area is extremely dangerous, he said.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said air strikes that had destroyed high-rise buildings in Gaza City in recent days were only the beginning of the main, intensive operation to capture what he has described as Hamas's last important stronghold.
Hamas said his remarks amounted to a public demonstration of a fully-fledged crime of forced displacement.
Israel's plan to conquer Gaza City has also brought international criticism. The UN has warned an intensification of the offensive in an area where a famine has already been declared will push civilians into an even deeper catastrophe.
The message from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) - both in leaflets dropped over Gaza City and posted on social media by its Arabic spokesman Col Avichay Adraee - was unequivocal.
To all residents and those present in Gaza City and all its areas: The IDF is determined to defeat Hamas and will operate in Gaza City with great determination, as it has throughout the Gaza Strip, it said.
In recent weeks, Israeli air and ground attacks on Gaza City have been intensifying. Netanyahu confirmed in a video that 50 high-rises had been destroyed in Gaza over the previous two days, stating, all of this is only the introduction, only the beginning of the main intensive operation - the ground incursion of our forces.
Civilians faced increasing uncertainty and fear, with reports of families like that of Hanaa, a mother of three, who remain hesitant to leave due to a lack of safe options. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations express concerns over the logistical challenges and potential violations of international law regarding forced displacement.
As the situation escalates, both sides anticipate a humanitarian crisis, urging for the protection of civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
