22-10-2023 (GAZA) Israel’s military has issued renewed warnings to Palestinians in North Gaza, urging them to relocate to the south of the strip. In a concerning escalation, these warnings now come with the added threat of being labeled as sympathizers of a “terrorist organization” if they choose to stay put.
The warnings were conveyed through leaflets bearing the name and logo of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In addition to traditional leaflets, the messages were also distributed to people in the Gaza Strip through mobile phone audio messages since Saturday (Oct 21). Gaza, a narrow territory stretching just 45km, remains under immense pressure as these warnings circulate.
The leaflet stated: “Urgent warning to residents of Gaza. Your presence north of Wadi Gaza puts your life in danger. Whoever chooses not to leave north Gaza to the south of Wadi Gaza might be identified as an accomplice in a terrorist organization.”
This latest development follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that commenced after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli soil on October 7. Israel has not only intensified its aerial assault but has also mobilized troops and armor along the border with Gaza in anticipation of a potential ground incursion.
While Israel had previously advised Palestinians to relocate to the south, the new element of designating them as “terrorist” sympathizers is a significant escalation. Many Palestinians who have chosen to undertake the perilous journey south have suffered the loss of family members during Israeli airstrikes in the southern parts of Gaza.
