The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has ordered the evacuation of all civilians still in the northern Palestinian town of Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, BTA reports.
The decision was made in the context of the ongoing Israeli offensive against Palestinian militants who are firing rockets from the area. The evacuation of civilians has led to a new wave of displacement, and it is currently unclear how many people are affected.
Israel continues its military operation, which has been underway for three months in northern Gaza. The campaign aims to prevent the regrouping of militants from the radical Palestinian group "Hamas". However, both UN officials and Palestinians say there are no safe zones in the area, and the evacuations are further worsening the humanitarian situation.
Towns in northern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahia, have been severely depopulated and their infrastructure is almost completely destroyed. This has led to speculation that Israel may intend to establish a buffer zone in the area after the fighting ends.
Despite numerous humanitarian aid efforts, the Palestinian Emergency Services reported losing contact with people trapped in Beit Hanoun. Evacuation operations have been hampered by the Israeli military offensive.
Other attacks have also been carried out in Gaza in recent days. The Israeli army attacked the "Kamal Adwan" hospital, claiming that Hamas fighters were hiding there. The Palestinian authorities, however, have strongly denied these allegations. The World Health Organization has warned that the destruction of the hospital has put the last major medical facility in northern Gaza out of action.
Last Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 people, including seven in an attack on the "Al-Wafa" hospital in central Gaza. Israel says the attack was aimed at "Hamas" fighters who were using the hospital as cover.