Israel 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.
The Israeli military dropped leaflets over Gaza City instructing residents to evacuate to areas designated as safer. They warned that the IDF is determined to defeat Hamas after 23 months of war and return the 48 hostages still held by the armed group.
Unlike the usual migration during conflicts, the evacuation is hampered by high transportation costs, lack of safe spaces, and ongoing bombardments. The UN has stated that directing hundreds of thousands to move may constitute forcible transfer under international law.
Humanitarian conditions worsen, with reports of malnutrition and starvation escalating. The UN has warned that without significant aid, a famine is imminent across Gaza. Initial evaluations show that while many have fled to southern areas, they are still facing logistical challenges and overcrowding in tent camps.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, leading to high casualties on both sides. As this crisis unfolds, the international community eyes the situation closely, calling for immediate solutions and humanitarian access to the affected population.
