The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has repeatedly urged civilians inside northern Gaza to evacuate immediately as it prepares to start a ground offensive in response to more than 1,300 Israelis who were murdered by Palestinian terrorists with Hamas.
The IDF commonly warns civilians to exit buildings and neighborhoods where it is getting ready to conduct airstrikes, but now it is calling for a much larger evacuation.
“The IDF is calling for the people of Gaza to evacuate to southern Gaza for their safety,” an IDF spokesperson said in a video. “We have a responsibility to protect our people and make sure this thing never happens again.”
“That is why the IDF is operating to eliminate Hamas in Gaza,” he continued. “Our war is not with the people of Gaza. Let me say that again. Our war is not with the people of Gaza.”
The spokesperson noted that Israel was calling for the evacuation not just to be in compliance with international rules of war, but because they have no desire to hurt innocent people.
“Our warnings are to save Gazan civilians, civilians that Hamas believes are more valuable dead than alive,” he said. “Hamas has already told civilians in Gaza to ignore the warnings, calling them ‘fake’ and even stopping them physically from leaving Gaza City. Hamas is responsible for the people of Gaza. The IDF is responsible for defending the people of Israel.”
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An important message for the world to hear from the IDF International Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht. pic.twitter.com/e9rmcgLgex
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 15, 2023
Hamas has repeatedly urged people over the last week not to leave areas where the IDF has warned them that they are getting ready to strike.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry released evidence on Saturday showing that Hamas was setting up roadblocks to stop a line of thousands of cars from being able to evacuate.
“We have proof that Hamas is putting up roadblocks to prevent Palestinian civilians from evacuating from northern to southern Gaza,” it said in a statement that included satellite images.
“Hamas prides itself on putting civilians in harm’s way and is responsible for every civilian casualty,” it added.
We have proof that Hamas is putting up roadblocks to prevent Palestinian civilians from evacuating from northern to southern Gaza.
Hamas prides itself on putting civilians in harm’s way and is responsible for every civilian casualty.
📸 @IDF #HamasISIS pic.twitter.com/rJoehbbEEo
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 14, 2023