JERUSALEM, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday issued an urgent call for residents in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate ahead of an expected intensification of its military offensive.
The evacuation order covered the towns of Beit Lahia and Jabalia, the Jabalia refugee camp, and northern neighborhoods of Gaza City, areas that Israel has already carried out heavy airstrikes in recent days, killing scores and forcing the local population to flee for the third time or more.
"The IDF will significantly expand its military operations in your areas," said Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the IDF, in a post on X, claiming that militants were operating in the targeted zones.
"The areas you are in are considered dangerous combat zones... For your safety, evacuate immediately to the south," he said.
Israel has rejected international calls to halt the war and reach a hostage release deal with Hamas. On Saturday, it launched Operation Gideon's Chariots, significantly escalating its 19-month offensive.
Israeli officials said the aim is to defeat Hamas and secure the return of 58 hostages held in Gaza. The operation includes seizing control of the entire Gaza Strip, maintaining military control over the territory, and displacing the population to the south, according to Israeli sources.
The Palestinian death toll has reached 53,655 since October 2023, according to the Gaza health authorities. ■
