The Israeli army expands its operations in Gaza and urges civilians to move south

Amid the escalation of Israeli military movements around the city of Gaza, the Israeli army has called on the city's residents for the last time to leave and head towards the southern part of the strip, in preparation for expected military operations.

Israeli military spokesperson, Avichai Adraee, confirmed in a statement published on the "X" platform today, Saturday, that "Israeli forces will expand the pace of attacks in the city to decisively confront Hamas." He added: "According to the army's estimates, more than a quarter of a million residents and inhabitants of the city of Gaza have moved outside the city."

Adraee urged those remaining in the city to "move towards the Muwasi (south) and the empty areas in the central camps," accusing Hamas of "spreading lies to prevent civilians from moving and leaving the city, risking people's lives for its survival."

On the other hand, media outlets reported intense Israeli airstrikes on Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, in addition to the northwest of the city, with ongoing heavy shelling and house demolitions for days, where three UNRWA schools in the beach camp west of Gaza were destroyed.

While thousands of Palestinians have fled the city on foot amid difficult humanitarian conditions and shortages of essentials, many expressed their fears of not having safe locations despite Israeli claims.

This comes as Israeli security leaders warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the "danger of fully occupying the city of Gaza and the implications of the operation on the safety of soldiers," according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. However, Netanyahu insisted on proceeding with the operation.

The United Nations had warned of catastrophic consequences for civilians, especially in light of the lack of safe places to evacuate, noting that nearly a million people live in the city and its surroundings according to UN estimates.