Following Hamas rockets: IDF orders evacuation of Deir al-Balah

The IDF Spokesperson in Arabic has released an evacuation map tonight (Sunday) for the area of Deir al-Balah from which Hamas fired rockets at the areas of Ashkelon and Ashdod.

According to the Spokesperson's statement:

"To all residents of the Gaza Strip located in the Deir al-Balah area in the neighborhoods: Al-Sahaba, Al-Samah, Al-Awda, Al-Zawaida and Al-Salah

"This is a final advance warning before the attack!

"We will attack with great force every area from which rockets are launched.

"Terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas, bear full responsibility for the displacement and suffering of civilians.

"For your safety, you must move immediately south to the known shelters in Al Mawasi."

This attack comes following rocket fire on Ashdod and Ashkelon. Prime Minister Netanyahu says that he ordered Defense Minister Katz to launch an "aggressive" response to the rocket fire, and Katz himself said that "Hamas murderers" would pay a very heavy price for every bit of shrapnel which might hit a resident of Ashkelon.

The IDF reportedly did not operate in this area since the beginning of the war for fear of the presence of hostages in the area, but this policy may be changing for reasons not yet disclosed.