IDF: Hamas opposes evacuation of residents of northern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, stated that the terrorists from Hamas have specifically attempted to prevent Palestinians from moving south during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now lasted for one month. According to an IDF spokesperson, the majority of combat operations are taking place in Gaza because that is where Hamas has a stronghold.

Conricus stated in a video posted on the social media platform X, “Most of the combat operations are taking place in northern Gaza.” Other strikes are still taking place in other areas, but we are focusing on Northern Gaza because that is where Hamas has its stronghold.”

He stated that Hamas wishes to keep civilians in densely populated areas in order to achieve their goals.

“What we’ve seen now are roadblocks; Hamas has made specific efforts to prevent Palestinians from moving south; they don’t want people to evacuate from the north.” They want them to stay in densely populated areas where the fighting is the most intense and difficult…because they want civilians on top of their tunnels,” Conricus clarified.

In a brief update on the IDF’s humanitarian efforts, Conricus stated that the forces are attempting to evacuate Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza.
“As we have been saying for the last two weeks, we are trying to get Palestinian civilians out of this area and down into the south. More than a million and a half pamphlets and flyers have been airdropped, in different colors for different days, so that people can understand that these are different pamphlets. We have done almost 20,000 live phone calls by Israeli Intel officers calling people in various neighborhoods like Jabaliya, Gaza City, and many other locations, telling them to relocate to the south and not to stay or remain in northern Gaza,” the IDF spokesperson asserted.

The Israeli Army said on Sunday that “significant strikes” are being carried out and the Gaza Strip has been “cut into two”, Al Jazeera reported.

The IDF is prepared to launch an attack in northern Gaza “any moment,” according to a statement made by Chief of Staff LTG Herzi Halevi during a meeting with the Northern Command.

According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire until the Hamas terror group releases the hostages it is holding.