Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Move south, Israel warns Gazans as ground ops pick up

Last updated on: October 28, 2023 21:04 IST

The Israel Defence Forces has issued an advisory for Gaza residents, warning them to relocate south 'immediately', saying that the window 'to act' is closing as Israel continues to expand its operations in Gaza.

IMAGE: Smoke rises over Gaza, as seen from Israel's border with Gaza, in southern Israel on October 28, 2023. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters

In a video posted on social media platform X, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, has urged the residents of northern Gaza and Gaza City to temporarily relocate south and added that moving back to northern Gaza will be possible once the intense hostilities end.

He said, 'Attention. Citizens of Gaza, listen carefully. This is an urgent military advisory from the Israel Defence Forces. For your immediate safety, we urge all residents of northern Gaza and Gaza City to temporarily relocate south. Let me repeat. We urge all residents of northern Gaza and Gaza City to locate south immediately. This is a temporary measure. Moving back to northern Gaza will be possible once the intense hostilities end.'

 

'Hamas puts your life in danger by placing weapons and forces within civilians in Gaza, including schools, mosques and hospitals,' he warned the residents, as he spoke.

Rear Admiral Hagari said that the impending IDF operation is set to neutralise these threats of Hamas with precision and intensity.

"The impending IDF operation is set to neutralise these threats of Hamas with precision and intensity. Humanity remains haunted by the massacre unleashed by Hamas on October 7. A massacre of innocent lives," he said, adding that Israeli men, women, children and babies were beheaded, raped and burnt alive.

"We won't forget that. And the kidnapping of over 200 Israelis. We will not forget," Rear Admiral Hagari said.

"To the residents of northern Gaza and Gaza City, your window to act is closing. Move south. For your own safety, move south. This is not a mere precaution. It is an urgent plea for the safety of the civilians in Gaza," he further added.

Rear Admiral Hagari said that the military is 'advancing through the stages of the war' in Gaza, with ground forces actively conducting operations in the Strip.

"Infantry, armoured, engineering and artillery forces are participating in the activity, accompanied by heavy (air) fire," he said, adding, "The forces are still on the ground and continue the fighting."

No soldiers have been hurt in the expanded ground operation, he said.

Source: ANI