Tel Aviv - The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order to 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza, signaling an escalation in response to Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks.
Israeli warplanes continued their airstrikes on the densely populated coastal area controlled by Hamas. In response, civilians in Gaza hastily packed their belongings into vehicles, including cars, taxis, and pickup trucks, as they rushed southward. Those without transportation options resorted to walking, carrying whatever they could.
Images circulating on social media on Friday depicted the Israel Defense Forces dropping leaflets from aircraft, instructing Gazans to move to the south or face further peril.
The IDF warned, "In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians. Evacuate to the south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields."
Additionally, Israeli forces conducted local raids in Gaza to gather information regarding the whereabouts of approximately 150 hostages held by Hamas in the region.
Israel's evacuation directive has faced strong criticism from the United Nations (UN) and several humanitarian organizations.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns on Friday, stating that "moving more than one million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous – and in some cases, simply not possible."
Alongside the UN, humanitarian groups such as the Norwegian Refugee Council and Amnesty International have called for the withdrawal of Israel's evacuation order, equating it to the war crime of forcible transfer.
Notably, the UN initially received notice on Thursday that the relocation was to occur within 24 hours. However, Israel later acknowledged that the mass migration order would require more time. IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told CNN on Friday that any deadline "may slip."
Despite the directive, some residents of Gaza have chosen to remain in their current locations, as they feel there is no safe haven. Refaat Alareer, a 44-year-old literature professor in Gaza City, explained that he and his family have no alternative but to stay in the northern area despite Israel's warning.
The situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaling that the past six days of airstrikes are only "the beginning" and that further retaliation is forthcoming. Israel has been amassing troops and equipment at the border while intensifying its siege and aerial bombardment of the enclave. The possibility of a ground incursion into Gaza remains uncertain.
Furthermore, Israel has obstructed the flow of essential supplies, including electricity, food, water, and fuel into Gaza, raising concerns of starvation among residents. The UN has called for the creation of a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the delivery of basic supplies.
Efforts are being made to apply diplomatic and political pressure on Israel to allow the safe passage of aid through the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has dispatched urgent medical aid to Al-Arish in Egypt for eventual transfer to Gaza, although the logistics of crossing the border are unclear.
The UN has reiterated that targeting innocent civilians and withholding essential supplies is prohibited under international law. However, Israel has defended its actions, stating that it will not allow anything into Gaza that supports Hamas' fighting ability, even if it inconveniences the population. Energy Minister Israel Katz announced that supplies to Gaza will remain suspended until all hostages captured by Hamas are released.