Israeli army continues major operation in Gaza City, calls on residents to evacuate

The Israeli army called on Wednesday, July 10, all residents to evacuate the city of Gaza, where its soldiers are conducting a major operation against the Islamist movement Hamas. Thousands of leaflets, calling “everyone” to be evacuated via “safety corridors”were dropped over the city of Gaza, in the north of the territory. These leaflets warn that this city, already partly destroyed, remains “a dangerous combat zone”.

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The army launched a ground operation on June 27 in the Shujaiya area in the east of the city, before extending it to the central districts since Monday. Ground troops, supported by tanks and aerial bombardments, are engaged in fierce fighting against Hamas and its allies, which has already forced tens of thousands of people to flee.

These new guidelines “will only add to the mass suffering for Palestinian families, many of whom have been displaced multiple times”reacted the spokesperson for the UN Secretary General. “Civilians must be protected”he added. After months of unsuccessful diplomatic efforts, new talks are due to begin in Qatar to try to move towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war.