Israel orders evacuation of Northern Gaza residents amid escalating fighting with Hamas

Reuters reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to hold a meeting later that day to review the progress of Israel’s offensive operation. According to a senior security official, the military plans to inform him that the campaign is nearing its objectives but also warn that expanding fighting into new areas of Gaza could endanger the lives of remaining Israeli hostages.

Despite this, Israeli forces have urged residents of northern Gaza to evacuate southward to the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, which Israel has designated as a humanitarian zone.

"The (Israeli) Defense Forces is operating with extreme force in these areas, and these military operations will escalate, intensify, and extend westward to the city center to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations," the military said.

The evacuation order covers the Jabalia area and most parts of Gaza City. Medical workers and locals reported that Israeli bombardment intensified in Jabalia in the morning, destroying several homes and killing at least six people.

• On May 25, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced plans to launch a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, aiming to capture 75% of the enclave’s territory within two months.