In the wake of directing Gaza City residents to evacuate, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has clarified Israel’s position, stating that their intent is not to harm Palestinian civilians. In a recent call with journalists, Hagari emphasized, “We are fighting a terror group, not the Gazan population.”
Explaining the evacuation directive, Hagari mentioned that the move is to facilitate “freedom of action and to deepen the damage” against Hamas, following what he described as “one of the most horrific acts the world has seen” by the group. Responding to the United Nations’ skepticism regarding the feasibility of an evacuation within a 24-hour period, the spokesman recognized it might necessitate several days.
Hagari pointed out that communication channels are active and are conveying the warning in Arabic. He warned of potential risks, saying, “Whoever does not listen to these recommendations, puts his family in danger.”
On the operational front, Hagari informed that while confrontations between troops and terrorists along the Gaza border fence continue, Israeli territory has witnessed minimal incidents. The IDF asserts that the majority of terrorists who infiltrated Israel the previous weekend have been identified, with no new infiltrations reported in the subsequent days. Moreover, ongoing efforts are being concentrated on targeting senior Hamas members.