Israeli Military Informs UN that Northern Gaza Population Must Evacuate Immediately
United Nations – In response to the ongoing airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military has notified the United Nations that the entire population in northern Gaza should evacuate to the south as soon as possible. The liaison officers with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conveyed this information to the UN late on Thursday night.
According to Stephane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesperson, the IDF has ordered the relocation of the population north of Wadi Gaza to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. This decision affects approximately 1.1 million people residing in northern Gaza.
The United Nations expressed concern about the humanitarian consequences of such a massive movement and strongly appealed for the order to be rescinded. Dujarric stated that the situation could transform from a tragedy to a calamity if the order is implemented.
However, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan criticized the U.N.’s response, labeling it as “shameful” and accusing it of ignoring the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israel.
As the tensions continue to rise, the IDF issued an order early on Friday for hundreds of thousands of residents in Gaza City to move farther south within the Gaza Strip for their own safety. In contrast, Hamas has called on Palestinians to stay put in their homes.
The latest data from the U.N. reveals that at least 338,000 Gaza residents have been displaced since Hamas invaded southern Israel on October 7, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from Israel. The Israeli military has amassed around 300,000 soldiers near Gaza’s border, with preparations underway for the next stage of the conflict.
Israeli officials reported that the Hamas invasion has caused the death of at least 1,300 people, with 2,800 more injured. On the other hand, the Gaza Health Ministry stated that the counterattacks by Israel have led to the death of 1,537 Gaza residents, including 500 children, and left another 6,600 wounded.
The situation in Gaza is further exacerbated by a complete blockade imposed by Israel, preventing the entry of essential supplies such as food, water, gas, medicine, and electricity. This has pushed the region to the brink of a humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations continues to monitor the situation closely and appeals for a peaceful resolution that can avoid further loss of life and suffering.