Israel orders residents from southern Gaza towns to leave

A picture taken from the border between Israel and Gaza shows leaflets being dropped by the Israeli army over Gaza City telling people to evacuate the area (AFP)

Israel ordered civilians to leave four towns in the southern part of the Gaza Strip on Thursday, indicating imminent military operations in the areas.

The leaflets stated, "For your safety, you must evacuate your places of residence immediately and go to known shelter centers,” specifying the neighbourhoods of Khuza’a, Abasan, Bani Suhaila, and Al-Qarara.

"Anyone who approaches terrorists or their facilities puts his life in danger, and every home used by terrorists will be targeted," the leaflet added.

The towns are now sheltering tens of thousands more who fled other areas.

Israeli forces had dropped similar leaflets in northern Gaza before the start of the major ground attack, late last October.

The war broke out when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages to Gaza.

According to health officials in Gaza, more than 11,000 people have died so far.

More from International news

News

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed honours Shabab Al Ahli team

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured members of the Shabab Al Ahli football team for clinching four titles this season at a special ceremony in Zabeel Palace.

  • Khalifa Award for Education honours 18th cycle winners

    His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, was named Distinguished Educational Personality in recognition of his extensive contributions to developing the education system locally, regionally and internationally, at an award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

  • UAE ship carrying desalination plants arrives in Cyprus

    A UAE ship carrying water desalination plants arrived at Limassol Port in Cyprus on Thursday, to provide clean drinking water and support sustainable global water security.