Israel orders 11 lakh people living in Gaza to move south within 24 hours; UN urges Israel to withdraw order

JERUSALEM: As the war against Hamas has entered the seventh day, Israel is gearing up for a ground war. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has issued an order asking millions of people living in northern Gaza and the UN officials there to move to the southern part of Gaza within 24 hours. Nearly 11 lakh people are living in the region.

The Israeli Army stated that it issued the order as Hamas militants were hiding in Gaza City. “The IDF calls for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza,” read the order issued by the Israel Defence Forces.

Gaza shares borders with Egypt to the south and Israel to the north and east.

However, the United Nations (UN) has warned that the evacuation of up to a million people could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences. The UN also urged Israel to withdraw the order. UN operations in Gaza have been shifted to the southern region.

So far, 2800 persons have lost their lives as the Israel-Hamas war gained strength. Nearly 1200 Israelis and 1400 Palestinians were killed. 150 Israelis are being held hostage by Hamas. Israel has warned that the blockade imposed on Gaza will continue if they are not released.

Meanwhile, America has given out a message that Israel is not alone in the war. US State Secretary Antony Blinken said that although Israel may be strong enough on its own to defend itself, it will never be alone as long as America exists.