The Israeli military on Sunday ordered residents in southwestern Deir al-Balah, including those sheltering in tents, to evacuate immediately as it prepares for intensified operations against militant groups in the area.
The evacuation marks a shift in strategy, as Deir al-Balah has until now been spared ground incursions, reportedly due to concerns over the safety of Israeli hostages believed to be held nearby. Residents were instructed to relocate to the Muwasi area on Gaza’s southern coast, designated by Israel as a humanitarian zone, though it has been subject to repeated airstrikes.
The zone under evacuation includes key distribution points for international aid organizations, many of which are based in Deir al-Balah. The move is expected to further disrupt humanitarian operations in a region already facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Military officials said the operation aims to dismantle militant infrastructure, but offered no timeline or details on the scope of the offensive. The evacuation comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and growing domestic pressure in Israel to secure the release of remaining hostages.
Gaza’s population of over 2 million continues to endure a deepening humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement and limited access to essential resources.