Israel hints at further escalation against Hamas with leaflet drop in southern Gaza
Israel drops leaflets in southern Gaza, urging residents to evacuate and seek shelter amidst signs of a potential expansion of its offensive against Hamas The move follows Israel's recent control of the northern Strip, signaling an escalation in its ground operation
Israel has distributed leaflets throughout southern Gaza, urging civilians to evacuate and seek shelter in designated areas, suggesting that Israel may intensify its ground operation against Hamas in the southern region of the territory.
On Wednesday, leaflets were dispensed in four communities located east of Khan Younis, the principal city in southern Gaza, advising residents to promptly vacate their homes.
The communities of Al Qarrah, Khuzaa, Bani Suhaila, and Absaan are located in close proximity to the perimeter fence that separates the Gaza Strip from Israel. This proximity raises concerns about potential new entry points for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) seeking to gain control of the southern area.
A leaflet issued by the IDF conveyed a clear message to individuals residing near terrorists or their structures, emphasizing the risks involved. It stated that any houses being utilized by terrorist organizations would be targeted. By adhering to the IDF's instructions, civilians can safeguard themselves from potential harm.
The director of the Norwegian Refugee Council, who has staff present in Gaza, stated on Wednesday via a social media post that members of his local team had witnessed the leaflet. Reuters corroborated this information through conversations with individuals who had also seen the leaflet.
Despite attempts by CNN to contact individuals in the Khan Younis area who may have personally witnessed the leaflet, the endeavor has been impeded by limited communication capabilities within the enclave. The primary UN relief agency in Gaza confirmed on Thursday that there is currently a complete communication blackout in the area.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared on Tuesday that Hamas's grip on northern Gaza, including Gaza City, had been relinquished, with the latter now serving as the focal point of Israel's ground offensive.
Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians take shelter at Al Shifa hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Doaa Rouqa
Doaa Rouqa/Reuters
Israeli forces, including troops and tanks, conduct a raid on Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. "Gallant confirms our complete control over both the surface and underground areas in northern Gaza, particularly in Gaza City," he stated during a press briefing, specifically mentioning the Golani Brigade of the IDF. He emphasized that Israel has now entered the "second phase of the Gaza conflict" and stated the intention to continue advancing.
Gallant stated confidently to a reporter on Wednesday that Israel's ground operations will extend over several months, encompassing both the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the objective of dismantling Hamas wherever they may be.
According to a leaflet, the actions of Hamas have compelled the IDF to engage in operations within residential areas. However, it clarifies that the IDF does not intend to harm civilians or their families. The IDF has repeatedly pointed out that Hamas persistently operates in civilian zones, including hospitals and residential buildings, thereby making these structures legitimate military targets.
Aid organizations have issued warnings about the potential exacerbation of the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave if Israeli forces enter the southern region. Thursday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah reported that according to medical sources in the Hamas-controlled enclave, the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli attacks since October 7 has reached 11,470.
Around 1.5 million people have been internally displaced within Gaza, according to the United Nations, which accounts for nearly 75% of the entire population.
In the previous month, Israel distributed leaflets to civilians in the northern region of Gaza, instructing them to relocate to the south of Wadi Gaza prior to commencing its ground offensive.
UNWRA, the main UN relief agency in Gaza, said more than 800,000 people have taken refuge in just over 150 of its shelters, which it said was "far more people than their intended capacity."
