The Israeli military has officially commenced its extensive operation in Gaza, urging residents to move southward.
According to military officials, this initiative aims to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure. Avichai Adraee, the spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces in Arabic, announced the expansion of this operation via social media early on Tuesday, following a night filled with intense aerial assaults targeting northern Gaza, resulting in at least 20 casualties.
Adraee stated, “The IDF has begun the destruction of Hamas’s infrastructure in Gaza City.” He emphasized the dangers of remaining in the area, advising residents to evacuate swiftly via Al-Rasheed Street towards designated safe zones in southern Gaza, either by vehicle or on foot.
He encouraged the populace to join the over 40% of the city’s residents who have already relocated to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones.
In the past month, Israel has consistently urged Gaza’s residents to evacuate in preparation for military action in the city. However, many expressed their inability to leave due to overcrowding in southern Gaza and the elevated costs of transportation.
The Speaker of the Knesset confirmed that a ground assault on Gaza City is currently underway. A military official disclosed on Tuesday that Israel has initiated the primary phase of a ground operation aimed at taking control of Gaza City. This announcement followed a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where the U.S. expressed its support for Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also stated in court testimony that Israel has launched a “major” operation in Gaza.