UN Calls Israel Order to Evacuate 1.1 Million in Gaza Impossible

The United Nations said Israel called for the evacuation of 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza within the next 24 hours, describing the order as “impossible” and appealing for a reversal ahead of what increasingly looks like an imminent ground invasion.

(Bloomberg) — The United Nations said Israel called for the evacuation of 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza within the next 24 hours, describing the order as “impossible” and appealing for a reversal ahead of what increasingly looks like an imminent ground invasion. 

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“The United Nations considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences,” the UN said in a statement. “The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation.” 

Israel also informed UN officials in Gaza late Thursday that it should remove its staff from Gaza within the one-day time period. The request to relocate Palestinians applies to everyone living north of Wadi Gaza, an area that marks the southern boundary of Gaza City. 

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Israel’s military has positioned as many as 300,000 personnel outside Gaza and signaled a major ground offensive could be imminent as it seeks to “wipe out” the militant group for for the Oct. 7 attack. 

–With assistance from Bill Faries.

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