Leave before you are crushed: Israeli Army warns Gaza City residents
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In a public statement, the army declared the Al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis in southern Gaza a "humanitarian zone," and named al-Rashid Street as a "humanitarian corridor" for those fleeing the north.
The Israeli military on Saturday ordered residents of Gaza City, the largest urban centre in the Gaza Strip, to evacuate southward as it prepares to intensify its ground operation, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariots II.
In a public statement, the army declared the Al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis in southern Gaza a “humanitarian zone,” and named al-Rashid Street as a “humanitarian corridor” for those fleeing the north. The military urged residents to “seize the opportunity” to move early, though Al-Mawasi is already overcrowded and has been repeatedly bombed during the conflict, with hundreds of civilian casualties reported.
Despite Israel’s designation of the zone as a “safe area,” humanitarian conditions remain dire, with tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters without adequate access to food, water, or medical care.
Local reports say at least five Palestinians were killed and others wounded Saturday when Israeli airstrikes targeted a house in the Shati refugee camp in western Gaza City. Additional strikes were reported in eastern Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza.
Earlier this week, the Israeli military launched a new phase of its offensive, announcing plans to take full control of Gaza City. On August 8, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip, beginning with the forcible displacement of around 1 million Palestinians and the military occupation of Gaza City following heavy bombardment.
The conflict, now entering its 700th day, has claimed the lives of at least 64,300 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The United Nations and other international bodies warn that famine is imminent as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
In November last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
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