The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have delivered an unprecedented directive, ordering approximately 1.1 million residents of northern Gaza to evacuate their homes and move south within the next 24 hours. This massive relocation effort comes in anticipation of a significant Israeli ground offensive aimed at rooting out Hamas militants.
An Unprecedented Humanitarian Challenge
The United Nations has urgently appealed for the rescission of this order, stating that such a mass movement would be impossible "without devastating humanitarian consequences." A spokesperson emphasised that the scale and speed of the demanded evacuation are unparalleled in recent memory.
The IDF's announcement, delivered through official social channels and leaflet drops, cites an imminent military operation targeting Hamas terrorists and their infrastructure within Gaza City. Civilians have been instructed to move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza.
The UK's Stance and International Diplomacy
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, speaking from Denmark, acknowledged Israel's "legitimate right to self-defence" following the horrific attacks by Hamas. However, he also stressed the critical importance of "operating within international humanitarian law" and minimising harm to civilians.
This development follows a week of intense aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip, a response to the deadly incursion by Hamas militants into southern Israel that resulted in over 1,300 casualties and the taking of numerous hostages.
What the Evacuation Order Means
- Scale: An estimated 1.1 million people are affected.
- Timeline: Civilians have been given a 24-hour window to flee.
- Destination: People are told to move to the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
- Context: The order precedes an expected large-scale Israeli ground invasion.
The situation creates an immense logistical and humanitarian crisis for the densely populated territory, which is already grappling with a complete siege that has cut off supplies of food, water, and electricity.
