As Israel’s military issues orders for 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate immediately, there are still questions surrounding the plan of action and the official start time. The evacuation, instructed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is in response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, which began on October 7. Israel has already conducted deadly airstrikes in the densely populated area for nearly a week, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,900 people and injuring thousands more. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that this is just the beginning. Israeli forces have also gathered near the Gaza border, suggesting a possible ground assault. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as dangerously low. Here’s what we know so far.
The deadline for evacuation is unclear. Initially, Israel gave civilians 24 hours to leave their homes. Media images show thousands of Palestinians desperately packing their belongings into vehicles, carts, or carrying whatever they can and making their way south. However, it is uncertain if Israel will stick to the 24-hour deadline. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an independent medical humanitarian organization, revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Israel has given Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza only two hours to evacuate. The hospital, supported by MSF, is still treating patients and trying to protect its staff and patients. Reports suggest that Israel may have modified the deadline or left it open, but Israeli officials have refused to clarify. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant avoided answering questions about the deadline during a press conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, stating that Israeli forces do not intentionally harm civilians. It seems unlikely that 1.1 million people will be able to safely evacuate before a ground invasion occurs if the deadline is upheld, with the United Nations deeming such mass movement impossible.
Israel issued the evacuation order on Friday ahead of an expected ground invasion as retaliation for Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel. The Israeli government reported that the attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,300 Israelis and 1,500 Hamas fighters. Israel claims that it needs to target Hamas’ underground military infrastructure and promises to make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians. Once the fighting is over, residents will be allowed to return. The instruction for civilians to evacuate came as a surprise to many, including the United States. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concern about civilian casualties and stated that Washington is working on options for safe evacuation and humanitarian assistance.
Complicating matters, Hamas is reportedly urging residents not to leave their homes and has even set up roadblocks. Additionally, Israel’s siege of Gaza has cut off electricity and hindered the spread of evacuation messages to civilians.
The international response to Israel’s orders has been alarmed. The International Committee of the Red Cross criticized the instructions for not complying with international humanitarian law. The United Nations called the evacuation impossible without devastating humanitarian consequences and called on Israel to rescind the orders. Amnesty International argued that the order may amount to forced displacement, violating international humanitarian law. Western officials, including President Biden, expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed ongoing talks with Egypt and Israel to establish a humanitarian corridor at the Rafah border crossing for civilians in Gaza, including Americans.
The pressure is mounting on Egypt to open its borders to fleeing civilians. As border crossings are mostly controlled by Israel, individuals in Gaza are not allowed to move freely and require special permits, which are rare. Egypt has been called upon to make an exception during this time of war. The United States is working on establishing a humanitarian corridor at the Rafah border crossing, controlled by Egypt, for foreign nationals in Gaza. However, the situation remains complicated, considering the risks posed by Israeli bombings at the border crossings.
The situation in Gaza is dire. Israel has relentlessly attacked the area, destroying entire neighborhoods and imposing a complete blockade on essential supplies. Gaza is currently experiencing a virtual total blackout, relying on generators for power, and facing dwindling fuel supplies. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 423,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been internally displaced. These numbers will only increase with ongoing Israeli airstrikes and the anticipated ground assault.
As Israel prepares for a ground invasion and conducts raids to search for hostages held by Hamas, it is doubtful that the more than 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza will be able to safely reach the south. Attempting to fit the entire population into a 25-mile strip poses significant risks. Residents have already been targeted by airstrikes while trying to flee. Israel’s army has not made promises to protect civilian locations like hospitals, schools, and U.N. shelters, as they consider it a war zone.
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