Israel wants 1.1 million Gazans to move in next 24 hours, says UN

 

The UN says it has been told by Israel that everyone in north Gaza should relocate to the south in the next 24 hours.

The area includes densely populated Gaza City and will affect about 1.1 million people - around half of the Gaza Strip's population.

The UN says it is "impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences" and has called on Israel to rescind evacuation orders.

The warning comes as Israel is expected to launch a ground offensive into Gaza to root out militant group Hamas.

The IDF said Hamas militants are hiding inside tunnels underneath the city and inside buildings populated with civilians.

It urged civilians to evacuate the city "for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields".

"You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made," officials said in the statement addressed to the city, which is the main urban area of the Gaza Strip.

"In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians," it added.

Hamas kidnapped at least 150 people and took them into Gaza during deadly attacks on Israel at the weekend that killed 1,300 people.

More than 1,400 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, Palestinian health officials say.

The bombardment comes amid a total blockade. Israel says it won't lift the restrictions unless Hamas frees all hostages.

Aid agencies say Gaza is facing a "dire" situation with food and water quickly running out and 50,000 pregnant women unable to access essential services.   BY MPASHO NEWS