The Israeli military has ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately as it is planning to operate in the area with great force.
The Arabic-language spokesman of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) urged those present in all the Gaza City neighbourhoods to relocate to a humanitarian zone.
The development comes after Israel’s security cabinet’s last month decision on a controversial plan to take control of the enclave’s most populous city.
Several world leaders have condemned the plan, and the UN has warned that it would lead to more massive forced displacement and more killing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday warned residents of Gaza City to leave immediately, hours after Israel said it would ramp up airstrikes.
The Israeli prime minister said forces were now organising and assembling in Gaza City for a ground manoeuvre. International critics say Israel’s plan could deepen the humanitarian plight of the 2.2 million people living there, who are also facing a growing famine.