Israel Orders Evacuations in Gaza as Conflict Intensifies

Israel issued fresh evacuation orders in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah on Saturday as it prepared to expand its operation, saying it was also moving into an area in northern Gaza where Hamas has regrouped.

Army spokesman, Avichay Adraee, told Palestinians in Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya cities and the surrounding areas to leave their homes and head to shelters in the west of Gaza City, warning that people were in “a dangerous combat zone” and that Israel was going to strike with “great force.”

Heavy fighting is underway in northern Gaza, where Hamas appeared to have once again regrouped in an area where Israel has already launched punishing assaults.

It comes after the US said that Israel’s use of US-provided arms in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law, but added that the evidence for determining it was incomplete.

The US said it had “reasonable” evidence that Israel breached international law protecting civilians in how it conducted its war against Hamas.

But the Biden administration said it wasn’t able to link specific US weapons to individual attacks by Israeli forces in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, food and fuel running out, and civilians facing the constant threat of violence. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement of thousands of Palestinians.

As the situation continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving crisis.