By News18,Yimkumla Longkumer
Copyright news18
The Israeli military on Friday warned it would use “unprecedented force” in Gaza City, as around 480,000 Palestinians have fled the area since late August.
The army told all remaining residents to move south, warning of a major ground operation in the city, which is the largest urban centre in Gaza.
The warning comes as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza City with airstrikes, tank fire, and ground assaults, nearly two years into the ongoing war that has devastated the Palestinian territory.
The United Nations estimated at the end of August that about one million people were still living in Gaza City and nearby areas. The Israeli military now says nearly half of them have fled in recent weeks.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X that Israeli forces would continue operating with “unprecedented force” against Hamas and other groups. He also announced the closure of the Salah al-Din road — one of the main routes south — leaving only the Al-Rashid coastal road open for evacuation.
“Take this opportunity and join the hundreds of thousands of city residents who have moved south to the humanitarian area,” Adraee said, referring to Al-Mawasi, which Israel has declared a safe zone.
However, many Palestinians say they cannot afford the journey or do not know where to go, especially as previous strikes have hit supposed safe areas, including Al-Mawasi.
On Friday, Israeli strikes killed at least 22 people across Gaza, including 11 in Gaza City, according to hospital reports.
The Israeli military said its forces had “dismantled more than 20 military infrastructure sites” in Gaza City over the past day and would continue to expand operations.
The latest offensive comes just days before several Western countries, including France and Britain, are expected to push for the recognition of a Palestinian state at a UN summit.
Meanwhile, a UN probe this week accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation Israel has strongly denied, calling it “distorted and false”. The United States again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
The war began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people. Israel’s response has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
(With inputs from AFP)
