Israeli Forces Close In on Full Evacuation of Northern Gaza

 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed they are nearing the complete evacuation of northern Gaza, and that displaced residents will not be allowed to return home. This marks the first official acknowledgment from Israel that it is systematically removing Palestinians from the area. Brigadier General Itzik Cohen shared details during a Tuesday night briefing, stating that troops had to re-enter areas like the Jabaliya refugee camp multiple times. He emphasized that there is no intention of allowing civilians in northern Gaza to return to their homes.

Cohen added that humanitarian aid would continue to flow into the southern part of Gaza, but not to the north, claiming that there were no longer any civilians remaining there. This statement has sparked concerns from international humanitarian experts, who argue that Israel’s actions could be classified as war crimes, particularly the forced displacement of civilians and the use of food and aid as a weapon.

Despite denials from Israel that it is attempting to force Palestinians out, human rights groups and aid organizations have suggested that the Israeli strategy resembles the controversial "generals' plan," which involves setting deadlines for civilians to leave and classifying anyone who stays as a combatant. The exact number of civilians still in northern Gaza is unclear, but the United Nations previously estimated around 400,000 people remained in the region.

On Wednesday, social media footage showed groups of displaced individuals, many carrying children and personal belongings, walking south through the ruined areas of Gaza City. Some of these families reported going without food or water for days. One displaced woman, Huda Abu Laila, described the dire conditions, saying, "We came barefoot. We have no sandals, no clothes, nothing. We have no money. There is no food or drink."

Meanwhile, at least 15 people were reported killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza on Wednesday. While communications with the Gaza Health Ministry were difficult, videos surfaced showing patients fleeing from a hospital that had been hit by artillery fire.

Israel’s military strategy includes dividing Gaza into regions, such as the Netzarim corridor, which separates Gaza City from the rest of the territory. Cohen also confirmed that the north of Gaza has been further split, separating the city from more rural areas.

Although Israel’s policy has not officially endorsed the permanent resettlement or reoccupation of Gaza, some Israeli defense officials have suggested the possibility of annexing large parts of the territory. Meanwhile, Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which is now in its second month, continues to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes hitting civilian areas in Lebanon.

On Tuesday, an Israeli strike on a building in Barja, near Beirut, killed at least 30 people, including many women and children. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire targeting Tel Aviv and other areas in central Israel on Wednesday afternoon, although no injuries were reported. Hezbollah’s new secretary-general, Naim Qassem, warned that the group is prepared for a prolonged conflict and will continue to target Israel until conditions for a ceasefire are met.