IDF orders evacuation of entire northern Gaza Strip, expands humanitarian zone in center

A few hours ago today (Sunday), the IDF Spokesperson in Arabic released an evacuation map, calling on the residents of the entire northern Gaza Strip to evacuate in advance of an IDF offensive.

The statement also noted that the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone is being expanded in order to accommodate the expected additional tens of thousands of displaced citizens.

It is not clear whether the wholesale evacuation order is meant to truly be temporary or whether it is part of the controversial "Eiland plan" meant to put pressure on Yahya Sinwar and end the war on terms favorable to Israel.

The plan involves the evacuation of the northern Strip and the takeover of humanitarian aid distribution to deny Hamas highly valuable revenue from taking and then selling food and supplies to hundreds of thousands of Gazans.

IDF forces are reportedly on high alert and bracing for possible Hamas surprise attacks on the anniversary of October 7 tomorrow. The aim is not only to prevent those attacks but also to enable safe hosting of memorial ceremonies in the southern border areas.

According to Times of Israel, the IDF is preparing for both possible attacks on IDF forces in the Gaza Strip and possible rocket attacks and even raids into Israel itself, and all possible targets have been reinforced to prevent this.

The IDF also said that three divisions continue operations in the Gaza Strip to destroy terrorist infrastructures and degrade Hamas capabilities "until the realization of all the goals of the war," which include the collapsing of Hamas' governing and military capabilities.