Israel’s ‘Flee or Die’ Ultimatum Pressures Northern Gaza Residents

Gaza, The Gulf Observer: The Israeli military has issued a new ultimatum, ordering tens of thousands of Palestinians in several areas of northern Gaza to evacuate, despite having few, if any, places left to flee. The ultimatum, delivered in a military statement, directed Palestinians to seek refuge in what it described as “shelters” in western Gaza City, labeling this region a “safe area.”

The areas specified for evacuation include the neighborhoods and regions of Al-Salateen, Al-Atatra, Al-Seifa, Al-Karama, and Al-Ghabn in northwestern Gaza. The Israeli army emphasized that it would “forcefully operate” against Palestinian resistance groups in these locations.

The ultimatum has intensified fears of a possible military invasion, exacerbating the already dire situation for civilians in Gaza. In a tragic development, five Palestinians were killed in Israeli artillery shelling shortly after the announcement. The attacks targeted the areas of Beit Lahia, Al-Salateen, and Ezbet Abed Rabbo, according to a medical source who spoke with media.

Among the casualties was a Palestinian woman whose body was recovered near the gate of Al-Sheema School in northern Gaza, where several others were also injured due to the artillery strikes.

This is not the first time Israel has ordered mass evacuations during its ongoing military operations in Gaza, now stretching over 10 months. Human rights organizations and international observers have repeatedly condemned these orders, citing the immense suffering they cause. Palestinians who comply with the evacuations often find themselves under attack en route to these so-called “safe areas,” and even after reaching the designated zones.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate as the international community calls for an end to the violence and protection for civilians caught in the crossfire.