The Israeli army has called on the inhabitants of Ciudad de Gaza to evacuate southward, declaring the Al Mawasi area a “humanitarian zone” before a meaningful land offensive targeting the most populous city in the Palestinian territory.

According to Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army spokesman in arabic, “From now on, and to facilitate the evacuation of the inhabitants of the city, we declare the al Mawasi area as a humanitarian zone.” He further urged,”Take advantage of the prospect and move without delay towards the humanitarian zone where there are already thousands of people.”

Concerns Over Civilian Safety

The UN estimates that approximately one million people reside in Gaza City and its surrounding areas, warning that an escalation of the Israeli offensive could lead to a “catastrophe.”

“Take advantage of the opportunity and move without delay towards the humanitarian zone where there are already thousands of people.”

While Hamas accepted a truce proposal in August, mediated by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, which included the phased release of hostages, the Israeli government is now demanding the complete disarmament of the Palestinian group, the release of all hostages, and the relinquishing of control over the Gaza Strip.

Past Operations and Civilian Perspectives

Since the beginning of the conflict following Hamas’s attack on Israeli territory on October 7,2023,the Israeli army has conducted numerous bombings in areas designated as “humanitarian” and “safe,” claiming that its targets were Hamas combatants embedded within the civilian population.

In recent weeks, numerous residents of Gaza City interviewed by AFP have stated that there is no safe place within the Palestinian territory and that they would rather die there than be displaced again.