Evacuation order issued by the Israeli military instills fear in the heart of Gaza City residents
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israeli forces are gathering in Gaza City, though a full-scale operation is not imminent. This news has sparked anxiety among Palestinians, who fear a repeat of the "Nakba", or "catastrophe", when hundreds of thousands were displaced during the 1948 war.
Residents of Gaza City are faced with a difficult decision: evacuate or stay. Some are preparing to leave for the south, but many plan to remain, despite the risk. The Israeli military has instructed residents to move to a designated "humanitarian zone" in the Al-Mawasi area along the coast in the south. However, residents express fear, as they believe there is no safe place to go and a humanitarian crisis may be imminent.
The international community has criticised Israel's Gaza plans, as it could worsen the humanitarian plight of the 2.2 million Palestinians living there. Organisations such as B’Tselem, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, Amnesty International, and others have denounced Israel's actions, with B’Tselem accusing Israel of genocide.
Israel has warned Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate, threatening to obliterate the area if Hamas does not surrender. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened a "mighty hurricane" if Hamas does not surrender and free the hostages they hold. Hamas, however, has stated that they will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established, and will not free all hostages without an agreement ending the war.
The Israeli military has stated that it is in control of 40% of Gaza City, and has airdropped evacuation orders onto residents. Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists have been called up for a potential ground operation in Gaza City. The health authorities in Gaza have announced they would evacuate Gaza City's two main operational hospitals.
The Gaza City assault plan has caused concern inside Israel, where public support for the war has wavered. The Israeli military leadership has warned Netanyahu against expanding the war, according to Israeli officials. The families of Israeli hostages and their supporters fear the attack could endanger the captives.
As the situation in Gaza City continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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