On Saturday morning, the Israeli military issued a warning to residents of the ‘D5’ area in northern Gaza, advising them to evacuate southward. This D5 region, marked by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), consists of numerous smaller sectors. The announcement stated, “The IDF is operating with great force against terrorist organizations and will continue to do so for an extended period. The designated area, including all shelters, is now considered a dangerous combat zone. Immediate evacuation via Salah al-Din Road to the humanitarian area is required.”
Accompanying the message was a map indicating the direction for escape. The communication lacked assurances for a quick return to previous residences, which have suffered extensive damage from persistent Israeli attacks over the past year. The essence of the warning indicates that the IDF intends to maintain aggressive operations for the foreseeable future.
The evacuation area identified by Israel is al-Mawasi, a densely populated area previously used for agriculture near Rafah. However, it has become overcrowded and offers no greater security compared to other regions in Gaza. Reports have confirmed at least 18 airstrikes in this vicinity.
In response, Hamas has communicated its own warnings to the remaining 400,000 residents of northern Gaza, urging them to stay put and asserting that the southern regions are equally perilous. Additionally, they emphasize that those who evacuate may not be permitted to return.
Despite the ongoing airstrikes and artillery assaults, many individuals have chosen to stay in northern Gaza to care for vulnerable family members or due to ties to Hamas. Under humanitarian law, such familial connections do not automatically label them as combatants.
In recent months, civilians have adopted a tactic of relocating within northern Gaza to evade IDF operations—moving from places like Beit Hanoun to Gaza City—only to return once the military presence diminishes. The IDF has responded by directing families strictly toward the south via Salah al-Din Road.
Access for journalists to Gaza remains restricted, with minimal and highly regulated entry permitted. Palestinian journalists continue to bravely document the situation amid escalating violence, with reports indicating that numerous media workers have lost their lives since the onset of conflict.
Among those remaining in northern Gaza, some families have chosen to stay close to relatives, while others hold affiliations with Hamas. However, international law protects non-combatants, meaning their status is not simply defined by their associations.
Witness accounts highlight the dangers faced by those attempting to move, as many fear being targeted by IDF fire. While the IDF maintains that it adheres to strict engagement protocols, humanitarian organizations assert that evidence indicates civilians are being deliberately hit.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the UN and various aid agencies report ongoing shortages in medical facilities. Hospitals in the north are running critically low on fuel necessary to maintain operations and patient care, with some facilities also enduring direct attacks.
Palestinians remain skeptical of the IDF’s intended tactics, suspecting a gradual implementation of a new strategy referred to as the “Generals’ Plan.” Proposed by a group of retired military officials, this approach aims to increase pressure on the northern population to expedite Hamas’s surrender.
Frustrations persist among Israelis regarding the lack of progress in achieving military objectives against Hamas, leading to discussions about adopting alternative strategies. This includes imposing strict evacuation methods, ultimately designating northern Gaza as a military zone after the evacuation deadline.
The ramifications of ongoing military operations are catastrophic, particularly concerning food security. No food aid has entered northern Gaza since early October, and mobile food services have been rendered inoperative due to ongoing strikes. The situation is similarly dire in the south.
While it remains uncertain if the IDF has fully embraced the Generals’ Plan, the observable actions in Gaza suggest strong influences from this strategy in current military operations. Concerns grow regarding intensifying anti-Palestinian sentiments among extremist factions advocating for a settlement presence in northern Gaza as military operations continue.
