Israel has extended its “24 hour” deadline given to 1.1 million Palestinians for evacuation from northern Gaza to the south in order to crack down on Hamas grounds in Gaza.
Two routes can be used between the hours of 10am and 4pm local time (7am to 1pm GMT) on Saturday “without any harm”, LBC reported.
Civilians should “take advantage of the short time to move south” from Beit Hanoun to Khan Yunis, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Avichay Adraee said.
It came after the IDF on Friday ordered a 24-hour evacuation of the region’s northern portion, which is home to more than a million people.
Adraee said in a Twitter post, “An important statement to the residents of Gaza City. In recent days, we have appealed to you to leave Gaza City to the south of Wadi Gaza in order to preserve your safety.”
“I would like to inform you that the IDF will allow movement on the indicated streets without any harm between the hours of 10:00-16:00.”
“For your safety, take advantage of the short time to move south – from Beit Hanoun to Khan Yunis. If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed.”
“Rest assured that Hamas leaders have taken care of themselves and are taking cover from strikes in the region.”
“Residents of the beach, sand, and west of Olive will also be allowed to move on Daldul and Al-Sana Streets towards Salah Al-Din and Al-Bahr Streets.”
Israel is preparing to launch a ground invasion, having already carried out a series of localised raids in Gaza overnight.
Strikes have levelled entire city blocks, and Gaza has been sealed off from food, water and medical supplies – all under a virtual total power blackout.
The UN has called on Israel to reverse the unprecedented directive, with Secretary General Antonio Guterres saying the situation has reached a “new low”.
Israel’s raids into Gaza on Friday were the first indication that troops had entered the territory since Israel began its round-the-clock bombardment in retaliation for the Hamas massacre.
Hamas has fired thousands of rockets into Israel since the fighting erupted.
Speaking in an earlier address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “destroy Hamas”, saying: “Today, everyone knows that we’re fighting for the homeland, and we’re fighting like lions.”
“We’ll never forget the Hamas onslaught. We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might.”
“We will destroy Hamas, and we will win, but it will take time.”
