The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders targeting central Gaza, specifically the city of Deir al-Balah, an area that has so far avoided a full-scale ground offensive during the ongoing 21-month conflict with Hamas.
On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instructed residents and displaced Palestinians currently sheltering in Deir al-Balah to evacuate immediately and move to al-Mawasi, a coastal zone designated as a humanitarian safe area. The orders were delivered by air-dropped leaflets, sparking alarm among civilians and the families of Israeli hostages reportedly held nearby.
While the IDF has conducted multiple airstrikes in Deir al-Balah, it has not launched a ground operation there. Military officials stated that ground maneuvers have been avoided in the region due to intelligence suggesting the presence of hostages. According to Israeli sources cited by Reuters, around 20 of the 50 hostages believed to still be in Gaza are thought to be alive.
In a statement, the IDF said it is continuing efforts “to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and neutralize enemy capabilities.” The military also confirmed that the areas now under evacuation orders had not previously seen direct ground action.
Deir al-Balah is currently overcrowded, hosting many displaced families living in temporary shelters. The latest evacuation order adds further strain to an already severe humanitarian crisis, as much of Gaza’s population of over two million has been displaced multiple times since the war began.
The directive comes amid renewed violence in other parts of Gaza. On Sunday, more than 40 people were reportedly killed near Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after Israeli fire struck crowds waiting for UN aid convoys. Additional casualties were also reported at other aid distribution sites in the southern part of the territory.
The United Nations has again called for greater humanitarian access, warning of worsening conditions and the risk of widespread famine. However, the delivery of aid remains fraught with danger. Since the launch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a joint U.S.- and Israeli-backed initiative in May—distribution has often turned violent. Witnesses say Israeli forces have shot civilians trying to reach aid, though Israel argues its measures are necessary to prevent aid from being diverted to Hamas.
Israel’s military campaign began in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, which left roughly 1,200 people dead and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Since then, thousands have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health—figures widely used by the UN and humanitarian groups as the most consistent data available.
The BBC has contacted the Israeli military for additional comment.
Source: Citinewsroom
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