Palestinians Urged to Flee South as Israeli Strikes Continue in Gaza

October 25, 2023

Source: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

Introduction

Israel has advised civilians in the northern Gaza Strip, including residents of Gaza City, to move south, claiming it will be a safer location amidst the ongoing military attacks on Hamas. However, Israeli airstrikes have extended to the southern Gaza Strip, causing fear among evacuees who feel equally vulnerable in their new locations.

Continued Strikes in the South

Despite instructing Gazans to head south, the Israeli military (IDF) has persisted in targeting areas across the entire region, resulting in an unknown number of civilian casualties. The bombardment of the south has intensified, with one strike causing the collapse of multiple apartment buildings in Khan Younis, a city near the Egyptian border.

The IDF has explained that although Hamas’s primary stronghold is in Gaza City, the group is embedded among the civilian population throughout the entire enclave. This justifies the targeting of Hamas even if it places civilians at risk. According to a senior Israeli air force officer, homes where militants reside are considered “legitimate targets,” regardless of the presence of civilians.

Reasons for Ordering the Evacuation South

The Israeli military issued an evacuation order on October 12, requiring nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population to relocate to the southern half of the region within 24 hours. The motive behind this directive was to distance civilians from Hamas targets, which the military believes are concentrated in the north. Military spokesman Jonathan Conricus stated that preparations are underway for significant military operations in Gaza City, explaining the need for civilians to relocate south of the Gaza River.

Further warnings were issued by Israel on October 22, emphasizing that those who remain in the north risk being perceived as sympathizers of a “terrorist organization” if they do not evacuate.

Number of Displaced Individuals

Although Hamas has urged Palestinians to disregard the Israeli warnings, reports indicate a significant displacement of people from the north and other vulnerable areas of Gaza. International aid organizations estimate that over 1.4 million people are internally displaced within the region. Complicating matters, both the border crossings with Egypt and Israel are currently closed, leaving residents trapped inside the enclave.

International Response

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the short notice given to hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes, deeming it “dangerous and deeply troubling.” Several Western governments have called for a ceasefire to establish humanitarian corridors and assist the trapped civilians. Arab nations have also demanded that Israel immediately halt the conflict.

Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by James Mackenzie and Nick Macfie