Fresh Evacuations Ordered in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

The Israeli army has ordered new evacuations in southern and central Gaza, citing Hamas' use of these areas to launch attacks. Tens of thousands of people have already sought refuge there. Negotiations in Doha aim to stop the fighting and address hostage situations, as Gaza's population faces repeated displacements.

The Israeli army has mandated fresh evacuations in southern and central Gaza, previously marked as humanitarian safe zones. They assert Hamas has utilized these areas to launch mortar and rocket attacks on Israel. Flyers and text messages have been dispatched to warn civilians in northern areas of Khan Younis and eastern Deir Al-Balah, where many have sought refuge from ongoing battles elsewhere in Gaza.

In an official statement, the military emphasized that the advance warnings aim to minimize civilian harm and allow civilians to relocate from conflict zones. The military reported striking Khan Younis on Thursday, targeting a location used to fire rockets at Kissufim, uncovering weapons including shoulder-fired missiles and explosives.

The latest evacuation orders coincide with ongoing negotiations in Doha, where officials are working to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages. Gaza's 2.3 million residents have faced multiple displacements since the Israeli campaign began, post the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7. Reports of casualties persist, even in designated safe zones, attributed to regular Israeli strikes. Israel accuses Hamas of embedding its fighters in civilian areas, a charge that Hamas disputes, noting a shift towards guerrilla warfare tactics.

(With inputs from agencies.)