Israel Orders New Evacuations in North Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israeli forces issue fresh evacuation orders in north Gaza following rocket attacks. Ongoing airstrikes and ground operations continue as the conflict enters its tenth month.
In a continuation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces have issued new evacuation orders to Palestinians in northern Gaza. This development comes as the region enters the tenth month of hostilities, which began in October 2023.
Avichay Adraee, an Israeli army spokesperson, announced the evacuation orders for several districts in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. These towns, located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, were among the first areas affected when the conflict began. The orders were communicated to residents via text messages and social media platforms.
"Hamas and terrorist organisations are firing rockets from your area towards the State of Israel. The IDF will act forcefully and immediately against them. For your own safety, evacuate immediately to the known shelters in the center of Gaza City."
The Gaza Strip, a densely populated area of approximately 2 million people, has been under the control of Hamas since 2007. The region, measuring about 41 km long and 6-12 km wide, has been subject to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade for the past 17 years.
Israeli military operations continue across multiple fronts. In central Gaza, troops reportedly targeted weapons-making facilities in Deir al-Balah, an area where thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. Tanks have also shelled Nuseirat and Bureij, two of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps.
Militant groups claim to maintain their ability to launch attacks on Israeli forces and conduct limited rocket salvoes into Israel. The Islamic Jihad, the second-largest militant group in Gaza after Hamas, reported firing rockets in response to what they termed Israeli "massacres of civilians."
The conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences. The Gaza Strip, already facing high unemployment rates and limited access to clean water and electricity, has seen its infrastructure further devastated. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees, continues to play a crucial role in providing aid.
The current hostilities began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants conducted a cross-border attack into Israel. According to Israeli tallies, this resulted in 1,200 Israeli and foreign casualties and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has led to significant destruction in Gaza.
As the conflict persists, the international community remains concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential for further escalation in the region.
