Israel's evacuation order for Gaza causes panic and chaos

An order by the Israeli army to evacuate Gaza has caused panic and confusion among the population.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government announced a further phase of the ground offensive, which it says will target Hamas's last strongholds.

Netanyahu also warned that if the group did not release the remaining hostages, the military would unleash a “powerful hurricane.”

Residents of the city of millions were instructed to move to the southern district of Al-Mawasi, which has been designated a “humanitarian zone.”

However, many said they no longer had a safe place to go and feared that even the south was not protected. Many families have been displaced several times since the war began in October 2023.

While the army has not yet announced a new advance by tanks, it has confirmed preparations for maneuvers in the city area.

The offensive could complicate efforts to reach a ceasefire, which the US and Qatar are pushing for. Israel has supported the proposal, but Hamas is still hesitant.

(reuters, red)