The Israel Defence Forces have claimed that Hamas militants are blocking the evacuation of Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip.

Source: The Times of Israel, with reference to Israel Defence Forces (IDF)

Details: The IDF has warned Gaza residents in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to evacuate amid preparations for an expected ground offensive. The area is home to around one million people.

The IDF said it has identified hundreds of thousands of Palestinians moving south, many of whom were stuck in traffic caused by Hamas roadblocks.

"Hamas is making it difficult for the residents of the Gaza Strip to move on main roads, and prevents the passage of vehicles on these roads," the IDF said.

The Israeli military released a video showing heavy traffic in the Gaza Strip, which it said was caused by Hamas.

Quote from IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari: "We see an active effort by Hamas to block and prevent the population from going south. Hamas wants to show the world that it has casualties and fatalities.

We continue to urge the residents of Gaza City, go south… Hamas wants you as human shields… This is for your personal safety. We are going to attack very widely in Gaza City in the near future."

Background:

• On 12 October, the IDF told the residents of the northern part of the Gaza Strip they had 24 hours to evacuate further south for their safety and warned it would continue strikes against Hamas militants in Gaza.
• On 14 October, the IDF said that they were conducting numerous airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip and were wrapping up preparations for a "significant ground operation".
• Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner, said that 243 Ukrainian citizens were awaiting evacuation from Gaza.

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