The Israeli military issued a brief alert to residents in the northern area to head south by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT), directing them to use specified routes that were promised to remain open and safe from bombing until that window closed.
The notice arrived hours after a 24 hour deadline was set by Israel on Friday, signaling a possible escalation in hostilities against the Palestinian regions. The northern population, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, faced a tense countdown as military leaders outlined plans for movement and safety corridors.
The IDF spokesman, writing in Arabic on social media, said movement would be allowed on the designated streets from 10:00 to 16:00 for the purpose of southbound travel from Beit Hanoun toward Khan Younis. The message urged families and caregivers to use the limited time to relocate southward to protect themselves and their loved ones, and was accompanied by a map highlighting the approved routes.
The spokesman added assurances that Hamas leadership was monitoring the situation and taking precautions in the region amid the announcements.
Midnight evacuation warnings issued between Thursday and Friday sparked widespread chaos in Gaza as tens of thousands of residents packed their belongings and tried to move south on foot or by vehicle in search of safety and medical access.
Hamas reported that civilians traveling along one southern route were subjected to shelling by Israeli forces, resulting in a large number of casualties, including many women and children, according to initial accounts from the Islamist movement.
Observers noted that the evacuation order drew strong reactions from international organizations and human rights groups, with critics arguing that the directive would worsen the humanitarian crisis and hamper medical operations inside hospitals already stretched by the conflict.
The broader conflict intensified after a surprise Hamas assault on Israeli territory began the previous weekend, leading to a significant toll on both sides. Israeli air and ground operations in response have continued to cause extensive casualties and displacement within Gaza, contributing to a volatile humanitarian situation that many organizations say requires urgent attention and safe corridors for aid delivery.
Authorities and observers have documented ongoing clashes and reported hostilities extending beyond Gaza, including incidents on Israeli soil and exchanges of fire. The fighting has drawn widespread concern from international bodies and allies, who urge restraint and the protection of civilians while emphasizing the need for humanitarian access and life-saving support for those affected by the fighting.