Israel calls on Palestinians in Gaza Strip to evacuate certain areas

By Gulsen Topcu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Israeli military urged Palestinians in specific areas of the Gaza Strip on Sunday to evacuate their homes and seek shelter for their safety.

"Hamas' attacks are compelling the Israeli army to take action in Gaza. For your safety, immediately evacuate the areas where you live," military spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote on X.

Adraee listed areas that need to be evacuated.

Residents in various areas, including El-Mekusi, Beit Hanoun, Shuja'iyya, El-Bireyc, El-Maghazi, Big Abasan, Small Abasan and Rafah, were instructed to seek shelter in designated locations.

Adraee also announced that the area controlled by the Gaza Division has been declared a closed military zone, and he urged residents not to enter under any circumstances.

The decision followed a surprise attack by Hamas early Saturday that involved dozens of fighters who infiltrated Israeli towns near the enclave amid heavy rocket fire.

The Israeli Health Ministry said at least 300 Israelis were killed and over 1,500 injured in the attack.

More than 250 Palestinians, meanwhile, were killed and over 1,700 injured in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry.

Netanyahu vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”