Israel Orders Mass Evacuations in Gaza Ahead of Large-Scale Assault, Civilian Death Toll Rises

Watan-The Israeli occupation army issued an evacuation order on Tuesday for Palestinians in Beit Hanoun (north of Gaza), as well as Khirbet Khuza’a and the towns of Abasan al-Kabira and Abasan al-Jadida (south of Gaza), ahead of what it called a “strong attack” in these areas, declaring them “dangerous combat zones.”

This was announced in a statement by Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee on the platform X, accompanied by a map highlighting the areas designated for evacuation.

Adraee stated:”Warning to all residents of the Gaza Strip present in the areas marked in red on the map, specifically in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza’a, Abasan al-Kabira, and Abasan al-Jadida.”

He claimed that the Israeli army had launched a “strong attack against terrorist organizations.”

He added:”These areas are now considered highly dangerous combat zones!” warning Palestinians to “immediately evacuate to known shelters in western Gaza City and those in Khan Younis.”

Despite launching a series of surprise airstrikes since dawn that have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including children, Adraee warned that anyone remaining in the designated areas would be putting their lives and the lives of their families at risk.

Heavy Civilian Toll as Israeli Strikes Intensify

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that 254 Palestinian martyrs and over 440 wounded—including critically injured individuals—have been admitted to hospitals due to the “targeted attacks and massacres carried out by the Israeli occupation since early Tuesday morning.”

The ministry stated that many victims remain trapped under the rubble, with ongoing efforts to retrieve them.

Earlier on Tuesday, the ministry announced that the Palestinian death toll had risen to 330 martyrs, “most of them women and children,” with dozens more injured in just five hours of Israeli bombardment. Entire families were among the casualties, with some only partially reaching hospitals.

Israel Resumes War on Gaza, Breaking Ceasefire Agreement

At dawn on Tuesday, Israel unexpectedly resumed its war of extermination against Gaza, launching a major military escalation that targeted civilians even during the pre-dawn meal (suhoor).

This latest assault marks the largest violation of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in January.

The renewed aggression adds to the long list of Israeli attacks on Gaza, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory, where Palestinians continue to suffer under an unrelenting blockade and military assaults.

Israel’s escalation comes amid severe humanitarian conditions, with no fuel supply across all of Gaza’s provinces due to the ongoing blockade and closure of crossings.

Early Tuesday, Israeli forces intensified air and artillery bombardments, striking residential areas and civilian infrastructure, causing massive casualties. Israeli forces also targeted shelters housing displaced Palestinians across the strip.

Ongoing Genocide with U.S. Support

Since October 7, 2023, Israel—backed by the United States—has been committing what Palestinians and international observers describe as a genocide in Gaza, killing and injuring over 160,000 Palestinians, most of them children and women, with more than 14,000 still missing under the rubble.