Israel Orders New Evacuation in Northern Gaza as Bombardment Intensifies
Israeli Army Demands Palestinians Flee to Al-Mawasi Amid Renewed Strikes and Warnings of “Severe Force”; Rights Groups Denounce Mass Displacement and “Open-Air Prison” Conditions.
Watan-On Friday evening, the Israeli occupation army issued fresh evacuation orders to Palestinians in northern Gaza, demanding they move south toward the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X (formerly Twitter), instructing residents of Beit Lahia and the Abad Al-Rahman and Al-Karama neighborhoods, specifically blocks 975, 979, 980, 982, and 983, including all tents and shelters, to evacuate immediately.
Adraee warned that the military would act with severe force in the designated zones, alleging that these areas are used to launch rockets toward Israel. He also attached a map highlighting the targeted zones, which have been under intense aerial and artillery control in recent months after previous forced displacements.
The Israeli army frequently issues such evacuation warnings across the Gaza Strip, citing rocket launches as justification. Yet, Israel has continued to bomb all areas of Gaza, including so-called “safe zones” like Al-Mawasi, where displaced Palestinians are instructed to gather for humanitarian aid.
This escalation comes as Israeli officials continue to promote population transfer from Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi reiterated calls to expel Palestinians from the strip.
According to a July 8 report by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Israel is treating Gaza’s population as if they are in a mass internment camp, forcing over two million people to live in a militarized enclave of less than 55 km², roughly 15% of the Strip’s total area, under extreme surveillance and bombardment. The organization described the population density in this “safe zone” as unprecedented globally.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with U.S. backing, has waged what rights groups label a genocidal war on Gaza, resulting in over 198,000 Palestinians killed or wounded, the majority being women and children, along with over 10,000 missing, hundreds of thousands displaced, and famine conditions leading to further deaths.
