Tens of Thousands Flee as Israel Announces Invasion of Gaza Strip

UN "Tens of Thousands Moved After Israel Notification"
Israel Demanded 'Within 24 Hours' Then Backed Down
US Also Checks Israel, Discusses Establishing Safe Zones

As the Israeli military's invasion of the Gaza Strip enters its final countdown, some residents have begun to flee.

According to foreign media reports on the 14th (local time), the Israeli military issued an evacuation order the previous day to 1.1 million people, half of the 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military warned in a statement that a large-scale military operation would take place in Gaza City within days, signaling intense urban warfare.

The United Nations stated that it was notified just before midnight the previous day of a 24-hour deadline for movement.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that only tens of thousands of residents have moved south since Israel's notification.

The number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip increased by 25% in one day, surpassing 420,000.

The UN expressed concern that the humanitarian crisis would worsen due to Israel's evacuation order.

UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres appealed for the protection of civilians during a UN Security Council meeting held that afternoon, stating, "There are rules in war."

There are also concerns that those unable to evacuate due to the tight deadline may be killed in the fighting.

The Palestinian armed group Hamas dismissed Israel's evacuation order as propaganda and urged residents to stay in their homes.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The United States also moved to check Israel's decision. President Joe Biden stated that addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is a priority.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the laws of war must be followed when attacking Hamas.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that he is discussing with Israel and Egypt plans to establish safe zones to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip.

According to the Gaza Strip Health Ministry, as of this day, 1,900 Palestinians have been killed and 7,696 injured due to Israeli airstrikes.

Israel initially warned that movement must occur within 24 hours but appears likely to delay the deadline as it has passed.

An Israeli military spokesperson said, "We understand it will take time," stepping back from the initially hardline stance.

The Israeli military stated that it conducted a search operation over the past 14 hours to locate hostages held within the Gaza Strip. This is presumed to be a localized operation in preparation for a large-scale ground offensive.

On the 7th, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, indiscriminately killing soldiers and civilians and abducting at least 150 hostages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.