The Arabic-speaking spokesman for the Israeli military posted a warning on social media early on Saturday morning, telling residents of the northern Gaza region known as "D5" to relocate south. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have placed a square, designated D5, on maps depicting Gaza. It is a block that is split into several dozen smaller areas.
The message, the latest in a series, said: "The IDF is operating with great force against the terrorist organisations and will continue to do so for a long time. The designated area, including the shelters located there, is considered a dangerous combat zone. The area must be evacuated immediately via Salah al-Din Road to the humanitarian area."
A big yellow arrow pointing from block D5 down to Gaza's southern region is attached to the map. The primary route running north-south is Salah al-Din Road. The message does not guarantee a quick return to the areas where residents have been living—an area that has been devastated by Israeli attacks for the past year. The IDF will be employing "great force... for a long time," according to the message's central thesis. To put it another way, don't plan on returning anytime soon.
Al-Mawasi, which was formerly an agricultural region on the coast close to Rafah, is the humanitarian area that Israel specified in the letter. Compared to many other areas of Gaza, it is not safer and is overcrowded. At least 18 airstrikes have been tracked by BBC Verify.
Al-Mawasi, which was formerly an agricultural region on the coast close to Rafah, is the humanitarian area that Israel specified in the letter. Compared to many other areas of Gaza, it is not safer and is overcrowded. At least 18 airstrikes have been tracked by BBC Verify.
When so many others have already fled southward from Gaza, some people have remained in the northern part of the country to stay with family who are in danger. Some are from Hamas-affiliated families. That does not automatically make them belligerents under the rules of war.
Moving elsewhere in the north, such as from Beit Hanoun to Gaza City, during IDF operations near their homes or shelters, is one strategy that civilians who wish to evade IDF operations without taking a chance in the crowded and dangerous south of Gaza have employed over the past year. They come back when the army moves on.
Moving elsewhere in the north, such as from Beit Hanoun to Gaza City, during IDF operations near their homes or shelters, is one strategy that civilians who wish to evade IDF operations without taking a chance in the crowded and dangerous south of Gaza have employed over the past year. They come back when the army moves on.
Based on daily contacts with Palestinians in Gaza, BBC colleagues have learned that the IDF is working to prevent it from occurring. Families heading in a single direction are being directed along Salah al-Din, the main road leading south.
Except for short, infrequent, and tightly controlled missions with the IDF, Israel does not permit journalists to enter Gaza to cover the conflict. The courageous work of Palestinian journalists who were present on October 7th continues. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since the start of the conflict, at least 128 Palestinian journalists have died in Gaza. Since Israel resumed its offensive in northern Gaza, footage of terrified families fleeing has been captured by the Israelis; frequently, tiny children assist by carrying large backpacks.
Except for short, infrequent, and tightly controlled missions with the IDF, Israel does not permit journalists to enter Gaza to cover the conflict. The courageous work of Palestinian journalists who were present on October 7th continues. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since the start of the conflict, at least 128 Palestinian journalists have died in Gaza. Since Israel resumed its offensive in northern Gaza, footage of terrified families fleeing has been captured by the Israelis; frequently, tiny children assist by carrying large backpacks.
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