Civilians flee to southern Gaza after Israel’s warning

More than 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza are under orders to evacuate. Civilians are fleeing the area by car, on the back of trucks and by foot after an Israeli warning that civilians should move south within 24 hours. 

The Israeli military said it knew it would take longer than that to move everyone but blamed Hamas for telling the Palestinian civilians to ignore the call.

The UN has urged Israel to withdraw its order, warning of “devastating humanitarian consequences”

Israel has soldiers amassed near Gaza ahead of an expected ground offensive into the densely populated enclave. 

Hamas fighters kidnapped an estimated 150 people during the brutal attacks on Israel at the weekend. The kidnapped victims were taken to Gaza and its unknown if they are still alive. It’s believed British nationals are among the hostages.   

The brutal attacks which began on Saturday have so far claimed the lives of around 1,300 Israelis.

Israeli retaliatory air attacks have killed around 1,500 people in Gaza. 

Israel has also enforced a total blockade of the enclave with fuel, food and water running out. Israel says it won’t lift the restrictions unless Hamas frees all hostages.