Israel orders 1.1.million people to leave Gaza within 24 hours

Military officials in Israel have ordered about 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to leave within 24 hours.

A United Nations (UN) spokesperson has reported on Friday, October 13 that Israel had given the orders for the civilians to leave as they plan for a massive ground offensive.

The AP had reported that the order was delivered to the UN as Israel plans to launch more attacks on the Hamas militants.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric had raised concerns over the Israel orders, noting that it had devastating humanitarian consequences.

Israeli troops unload 155 mm artillery at an undisclosed location on the border with the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023. Military officials in Israel have ordered about 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to leave within 24 hours. Photo: AFP

According to AP, the Israeli military had bombarded the Gaza strip with airstrikes in an attempt to force Hamas militants to free 150 hostages.

Israel’s frequent airstrikes in the Gaza strip has left most Palestinians under siege as they struggle to get food, fuel and medication.

This was after Israel prevented the supply of basic commodities and electricity to Gaza’s 2.3 million people and prevented entry of supplies from Egypt and other neighboring countries.

“Not a single electricity switch will be flipped on, not a single faucet will be turned on and not a single fuel truck will enter until the Israeli hostages are returned home,” Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said.

As a result, international aid groups including the Red Cross had warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza war zone.

Palestinians inspect the destruction around Ahmed Yassin mosque, which was levelled by Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City early on October 9, 2023. Photo: AFP

At the same time, an Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht had told news reporters that the military personnel were ready for a ground maneuver and were only waiting for orders from top political leaders in the country.

Hamas assault since Saturday, October 7 has led to deaths of more than 1,300 people in Israel, including 247 soldiers.

On the other hand, the Israeli military has killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza.

Thousands of military personnel and civilians have been wounded on both sides as the international community warn of higher casualties in the brutal war.