IDF orders evacuation of Gaza perimeter area

IDF Spokesperson in Arabic Avichai Adraee announced a new evacuation order today (Tuesday), ordering Gazan civilian to flee into the interior of the Gaza Strip.

According to Adraee' statement this morning:

"Warning to all residents of the Gaza Strip who are in the area marked in red, specifically in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida.

"The IDF has launched a massive offensive against terrorist organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones!

"For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately to the known shelters in western Gaza City and those in Khan Yunis.

"Continuing to remain in the designated areas puts your life and the lives of your family members at risk."

The IDF has renewed fighting in the Gaza Strip, starting last night with a series of intensive strikes against Hamas targets and personnel. According to Hamas sources, over 300 were killed in these strikes.

Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh reported this morning that in addition to the airstrikes, the Navy also participated last night in attacking Hamas targets, and naval vessels attacked Hamas targets from the sea in the coastal area of the Gaza Strip.

A security source speaking to reporter Almog Boker said that "We are returning to negotiating under fire. Want a cease fire? Return hostages."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich released this statement upon renewal of the fighting:

As we promised and explained, the IDF has resumed intense attacks on Gaza tonight with the aim of destroying Hamas, returning all hostages, and removing the threat posed from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli citizens, thereby restoring security to the residents of the Gaza Perimeter and all Israeli citizens for the long term.

This is a phased operation that we have built and planned in recent weeks since the new IDF Chief of Staff took office, and with God's help, it will look completely different from what has been done so far. We will need renewed mobilization from all of us with strength, faith, and determination, until victory with God's help.

I send my blessings and prayers first and foremost to the IDF soldiers, to the Chief of Staff, to the Minister of Defense, and to the Prime Minister. For this moment, we remained in the government despite our opposition to the deal, and we are more determined than ever to complete the task and destroy Hamas. Those who have inflicted upon us what Hamas did on Simchat Torah - will be destroyed. Period.

Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the beginning of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving kindness, spread over it Your canopy of peace, and send Your light and truth to its leaders and advisors, and direct them with good counsel from before You. Strengthen the hands of the defenders of our Holy Land, and grant them, our God, salvation, and crown them with the crown of victory, and grant peace in the land, and everlasting joy to its inhabitants.