IDF enforces evacuation of northern Gaza, barring civilians from returning

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have officially confirmed their plan to systematically evacuate northern Gaza, an action that prohibits residents from returning home.

Brigadier General Itzik Cohen, speaking in a media briefing on Tuesday, disclosed that as ground operations continue, troops have had to enter certain areas more than once, including the Jabaliya camp. He stated that the IDF has “no intention of allowing the residents of the northern Gaza Strip to return to their homes.”

According to Cohen, while the IDF will allow humanitarian aid to reach southern Gaza, similar provisions will not be extended to the northern regions.

He stated that the lack of aid is justified by the absence of civilians in the north, asserting that those remaining in northern Gaza have already evacuated. This assertion, however, contrasts with reports of civilians still in the north, as recent footage showed groups of displaced individuals—some carrying children and few belongings—moving south through damaged areas.

The operation follows a month of intensified conflict, with Israeli forces targeting Hamas groups they claim are regrouping within the region. Israeli officials have denied that the evacuation directive intends to forcibly relocate civilians.

However, the IDF’s policy, coupled with restrictions on food and medical supplies entering the northern zone, has raised significant concern among international legal experts and human rights organisations, who argue that these tactics may breach international humanitarian law.

Experts have pointed out that forced transfers of civilians and restrictions on essential resources could amount to war crimes.

In response to these concerns, several human rights organisations have accused Israel of executing a strategy known colloquially as the “generals’ plan,” which reportedly calls for civilians to be notified to evacuate by a certain date, after which anyone remaining is regarded as a combatant.

While Israeli officials have not explicitly confirmed this, rights groups argue that ongoing policies align with this method, effectively leaving civilians with little choice but to abandon the area.

The United Nations recently estimated that approximately 400,000 residents were unable or unwilling to evacuate from northern Gaza. Amid mounting pressure and restricted movement, remaining residents have faced severe shortages of food, water, and basic supplies.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Huda Abu Laila, a displaced resident moving south, described the dire conditions endured by many in Gaza: “We came barefoot. We have no sandals, no clothes, nothing. We have no money. There is no food or drink,” she said.

Escalating violence in northern Gaza has compounded the challenges faced by civilians. In Beit Lahiya, an airstrike reportedly killed at least 15 individuals on Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera.

🚨Heartbreaking scenes… A family, including wounded members, forced by the Israeli army to evacuate northern #Gaza amidst relentless bombing and the total devastation of their home. pic.twitter.com/NSHiHuZH4I

— Nour Naim| نُور (@NourNaim88) November 6, 2024

While confirmation from Gaza’s health ministry was unavailable due to communication disruptions, footage posted by Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya, depicted patients urgently fleeing the hospital as artillery fire hit the building.

In an effort to isolate the region further, Israel established the Netzarim corridor earlier this year, severing Gaza City from the rest of the territory.

Brigadier General Cohen confirmed on Tuesday that the Israeli military has now divided Gaza City from the rural northern areas, forming an additional barrier to civilian movement within Gaza. The military has justified these geographic divisions as necessary for countering Hamas fighters in urban centres while keeping civilians out of the combat zones.

Though official Israeli policy does not advocate resettlement or permanent occupation of Gaza, sources have indicated that Israeli officials may be exploring alternatives to current policies.

Senior defence officials reportedly told the Israeli daily Haaretz that the government may consider plans to annex substantial parts of the Gaza territory, an approach that has yet to be formalised but reflects ongoing strategic considerations within the Israeli leadership.

The humanitarian implications of the IDF’s recent operations remain a focal point of international debate.

Advocacy groups continue to call for increased protections for Palestinian civilians caught in the conflict, urging both sides to adhere to international law standards designed to protect non-combatants.

As Israel’s military campaign intensifies, the situation in northern Gaza has drawn the attention of numerous global organisations monitoring the developing crisis closely.