The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded evacuation orders in southern Gaza, specifically targeting residents of the al-Jalaa neighborhood in Khan Younis. This area, previously designated as a "humanitarian zone," is now being reclassified due to what the IDF describes as "significant terrorist activity."

The recent orders come at a time when the population of Gaza—approximately 2.3 million—continues to endure mounting hardships, with many living in temporary accommodations after being displaced by ongoing military confrontations. The IDF informed civilians in al-Jalaa of the evacuation through various communication methods, including SMS, phone calls, and printed flyers in Arabic, urging them to relocate to a newly designated humanitarian zone.

Israeli officials have reiterated their stance that Hamas and other militant groups exploit civilian areas for military purposes. The Norwegian Refugee Council has noted a dramatic reduction in Gaza's humanitarian zones, which have decreased from 20% to just over 14% of the territory as a result of recent evacuation orders.

Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city, has faced extensive destruction from previous air and ground offensives aimed at dismantling militant operations. The IDF's latest actions follow a history of evacuation orders in response to persistent threats from Hamas, particularly after the October 7 attacks that claimed the lives of around 1,200 individuals in southern Israel.

The timing of this new evacuation directive also coincides with reports of a recent Israeli strike on a school in Gaza City, where displaced civilians had sought refuge. While Hamas-run media claim the attack resulted in numerous civilian casualties, Israeli officials assert that the strike targeted a Hamas command post, resulting in the deaths of 19 militants.

As the situation unfolds, international observers express growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands now living in overcrowded tent cities amid alarming warnings of impending famine. The conflict continues to escalate, with calls for urgent measures to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population.