Israeli forces have expanded their operations in northern Gaza, with tanks advancing to the northern outskirts of Gaza City and targeting several districts within the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, according to local residents. This escalation has compelled numerous families to evacuate their homes.
According to residents, Israeli forces have effectively cut off Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahiya in the northern part of the enclave from Gaza City, restricting movement between these areas unless authorized for families wishing to leave in response to evacuation directives.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently initiated a renewed ground offensive in northern Gaza aimed at preventing Hamas from reestablishing its presence.
Israeli authorities estimate that tens of thousands of Palestinians have remained in northern Gaza during the past year of conflict, despite ongoing appeals for them to relocate to designated humanitarian zones. They believe that among those who have stayed are thousands of Hamas operatives who have survived previous confrontations with Israeli forces.
In light of this situation, the IDF issued new evacuation orders over the weekend for two neighborhoods on the northern edge of Gaza City, designating the area as a “dangerous combat zone.” Residents were urged to leave their homes and move to safer locations in the south.
Conversely, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry has advised civilians to disregard the evacuation orders and to avoid moving south, where they claim the Israeli forces are conducting ongoing bombings and killings in areas they assert are safe.
For years, the IDF has accused Hamas of employing human shields and embedding its operatives within the civilian population to safeguard itself during conflicts with Israel, asserting that it aims to minimize civilian casualties.
