Israel’s security cabinet has moved swiftly overnight to establish a dedicated government department aimed at the “voluntary” transfer of civilians from Gaza.
Israel Katz, the country’s defence minister, said the government was working to implement Donald Trump’s “vision” for Gaza, which involves the US “taking over and owning” the Palestinian territory.
“We will allow any Gaza resident who wants to move to a third state to do so,” Mr Katz said, adding that the new government department would create movement routes for civilians wishing to leave and implement plans to check pedestrians at border crossings.
It comes after a Gallup International survey found that more than half of Gaza’s population would consider leaving if given the opportunity.
Hours before the new department was approved, the IDF called on residents of Rafah’s Tel Sultan area to evacuate north in anticipation of airstrikes
“The area you are in is considered a dangerous combat zone. Gush Katif Street is considered a humanitarian route for your use in order to move to the Mawasi area. We warn you: Movement in vehicles is prohibited,” an IDF spokesman said. “Staying in shelters, tents, and houses, or travelling via other unspecified roads, puts your life and the lives of your families at risk. Evacuate immediately,” they added.
Hours later, the IDF announced it had encircled the area to “dismantle terror infrastructure sites and eliminate terrorists in the area, in order to reinforce control and expand the security zone in southern Gaza”.
Overnight, Israeli airstrikes killed senior Hamas political figure Salah Al-Bardawil and his wife in Khan Younis, in the south. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry confirmed their deaths, alongside 18 others. Al-Bardawil is the latest senior Hamas official to be killed since Israel resumed its offensive on Gaza earlier this week.
The IDF also carried out operations in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure to further secure the region. Civilians will be allowed to evacuate the combat zone for their own safety, the IDF said.
As Israeli military operations intensify, public protests in Israel have been mounting. More than 100,000 Israelis demonstrated across the country on Saturday night, demanding a ceasefire so the remaining hostages being held by Hamas can be released.