The United Nations reported that the Israeli military has informed them of the urgent need to relocate 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza to the southern part of the strip within 24 hours. However, Gaza authorities have dismissed this announcement as part of a psychological campaign to create confusion among the citizens. This alarming development raises concerns about the humanitarian consequences of such a massive displacement.
The Israeli Notice:
The spokesperson for the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, released a statement confirming that their officials in Gaza were informed by Israeli officers that all residents in the northern part of Gaza must move to the south within the next 24 hours. This directive affects approximately 1.1 million people, nearly half of Gaza’s total population, which stands at 2.3 million. The areas in the north of Gaza include the city of Gaza, one of the major urban centers in the region. The United Nations strongly appeals for the cancellation of any relocation orders to avert a potential humanitarian catastrophe. They emphasize the impossibility of executing such an order without devastating human consequences.
Impact on UN Personnel:
The Israeli warning also extends to all United Nations personnel and those residing in UN facilities, including schools, health centers, and clinics. UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, announced that it relocated its central operations center and international staff to the south in response to this directive.
Israeli Threats:
The Israeli military has reinforced its message, instructing residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes and head south, as they intend to continue significant military operations in the city, which they have designated as a “military operational zone.” Residents will only be allowed to return to Gaza City once a new announcement permits it. The Israeli military has also cautioned residents of the Gaza Strip against approaching the border fence with Israel.
Israel’s Perspective:
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, defended the warning and criticized the UN’s response. He stated that the UN’s reaction to Israel’s early warning was regrettable and called on the UN to focus on condemning Hamas and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.
Hamas’s Response:
On the other hand, Salama Marouf, the head of the Gaza Strip’s government media office under the leadership of Hamas, dismissed the Israeli warning as an attempt to spread false propaganda in various ways, aiming to create confusion among citizens and disrupt the internal unity. Marouf emphasized that the citizens should not engage with these attempts, which are part of psychological warfare, and noted that the personnel of international institutions in Gaza remain in their positions.
Current Situation:
These developments occur while the Israeli military continues intense airstrikes on Gaza, alongside the mobilization of ground forces in preparation for a potential ground assault. The situation remains tense, following the “Operation Al-Aqsa Tempest” initiated by Palestinian resistance groups last Saturday.
The situation in Gaza is escalating rapidly, with the Israeli warning of mass displacement and potential ground operations adding to the uncertainty and suffering in the region. The international community must closely monitor these developments and work toward a peaceful resolution to avoid further humanitarian crises.
