Israel-Gaza war: Gaza 'safe passage' deadline expires, Israel awaits approval to move forward
Israel-Gaza war: As the Israeli military's set three-hour deadline for creating a "safe corridor" in northern Gaza to allow residents to move to the "safer" southern part of the territory came to an end at 3.30 pm, Israel now awaits the green light for a potential all-out ground offensive. Throughout this period, Israeli forces had been conducting localized raids in Gaza.
In an earlier communication posted on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) assured that there would be no military operations along this corridor between 10 am and 1 pm, allowing residents to relocate to southern Gaza for their safety. The IDF emphasized its commitment to the safety of Gaza residents and their families. They urged people to heed their instructions and move southward. It was also noted that Hamas leaders had already ensured their own safety and that of their families.
Residents of Gaza City and northern Gaza, in the past days, we've urged you to relocate to the southern area for your safety. We want to inform you that the IDF will not carry out any operations along this route from 10 AM to 1 PM. During this window, please take the opportunity… pic.twitter.com/JUkcGOg0yv — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 15, 2023
However, earlier today, the Israeli military released photos that purportedly showed the Hamas group preventing people from traveling to southern Gaza. This practice has raised concerns of using civilians as human shields. Eyal Hulata, the former national security adviser of the country, accused Hamas of intentionally keeping hostages in areas where Israel is likely to carry out bombings.
Tensions have escalated significantly, with Israeli forces preparing for a potential ground invasion in Gaza with the aim of neutralizing Hamas, the Palestinian group responsible for the deadliest attack in Israel's history. In the past eight days, Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,300 Israelis in a terrorist attack, prompting Israel to respond with a relentless bombing campaign that has resulted in over 2,300 casualties in Gaza.
The situation remains highly volatile, with entire city blocks in Gaza reduced to rubble, and hospitals overwhelmed by the thousands of wounded residents. The international community watches closely, and there are concerns of further escalation in the conflict.
- With inputs from agencies
