The Gaza interior ministry has issued a stark warning to residents of Gaza City, urging them not to heed the Israeli military’s evacuation orders. The ministry claims that these instructions are part of psychological warfare tactics employed by the Israeli forces. Residents were instructed to move to a “humanitarian zone” in al-Mawasi, located in southern Gaza, but this area has previously been attacked by the Israeli army.
The ministry referred to the so-called safe corridors as “death corridors,” suggesting that those who attempt to evacuate southward face a high risk of being killed. There have been reports of Palestinians being shot or arrested while trying to use Salah al-Din Road, which stretches across Gaza. Instead of moving south, the ministry advised residents to seek refuge in nearby areas.
This latest evacuation order coincides with intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza City. The United Nations has also weighed in, stating that the mass evacuation of northern Gaza, which involves moving around 1.1 million people, is impractical and could lead to severe humanitarian consequences.