The Israeli military has issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in parts of Gaza City ahead of an anticipated attack.
Army spokesman Avichay Adraee described the notice as a “final and urgent warning ahead of an impending strike.”
He added that the military “will strike all areas from which rockets are launched,” emphasizing the seriousness of the warning.
This evacuation order comes at the start of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important religious festivals in the Muslim calendar.
Recently, the Israeli military has intensified its campaign in Gaza, declaring a renewed effort to defeat Hamas.
Hamas launched a large-scale attack in October 2023, which ignited the ongoing war between the two sides.
Calls from the international community for a negotiated ceasefire have increased over recent weeks.
Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, announced on Thursday that the group was ready to enter fresh talks to establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
However, attempts to broker a new ceasefire have repeatedly failed since the last temporary truce collapsed in March, when Israeli military operations resumed.
Late last month, Israel and Hamas seemed close to a deal, but the negotiations fell apart, with both sides blaming each other for obstructing a U.S.-backed proposal.
Israel has also faced growing pressure to ease its blockade on Gaza, which has lasted over two months and caused severe shortages of food and other essentials.
The blockade was recently relaxed, and Israel has collaborated with the newly formed, U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to distribute aid through a limited number of centers in southern and central Gaza.
Despite its intentions, the GHF has attracted criticism from the United Nations and humanitarian groups, particularly after a series of deadly incidents near its distribution sites.
Hamas’s unprecedented October attack on Israel caused the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to official figures compiled by AFP.
The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza reports that at least 4,402 people have died since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18.
This brings the total estimated death toll of the conflict to 54,677, with the majority being civilians.
Earlier today, the GHF announced that all its distribution centers were closed until further notice.
They urged residents to avoid these venues for their safety, following multiple shootings near the aid sites.
The GHF started distributing meals last week but temporarily shut down operations on Wednesday due to safety concerns.
The foundation stated it was urging Israeli forces to enhance civilian security around its distribution areas after dozens of Palestinians were killed near the Rafah center over three consecutive days.
The Israeli military said its troops fired warning shots on Sunday and Monday.
On Tuesday, they reported firing warning shots before targeting Palestinians they said were advancing toward soldiers.
Despite these incidents, the GHF maintains that aid distribution from its sites was conducted safely without any direct conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently promised to “take control” of the entire Gaza territory amid the heightened military campaign.
His cabinet approved the expanded offensive with the goal of “conquest” and displacement of Gaza’s population.
This decision provoked warnings from Britain, France, and Canada, who threatened Israel with sanctions if it proceeded with the military escalation.
The leaders of the three countries issued a joint statement condemning the “intolerable” human suffering and the “denial of essential humanitarian assistance.”
The 11-week blockade of food, fuel, water, and medicine has pushed Gaza’s already devastated civilian population toward famine, a dire situation that experts continue to highlight.
The situation remains highly volatile as international efforts to broker peace face persistent challenges amid ongoing military actions and humanitarian crises.