Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday rejected Israel’s plan to relocate civilians from Gaza City to southern areas, warning that the proposal represents a “new wave of genocide and displacement” for hundreds of thousands of residents.
In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of using the planned distribution of tents and other shelter equipment as a cover for what it called preparations for “a major crime against civilians.”
The Israeli military confirmed it intends to move residents from northern combat zones to designated sites in the south, saying the relocation is designed to protect civilians ahead of an expected military offensive to seize control of Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center.
The plan has drawn international concern over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, home to 2.2 million people who are already facing food shortages, mass displacement, and collapsed infrastructure.
According to Israeli officials, the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack in southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Israel believes around 20 of the 50 remaining captives are still alive.
Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with large parts of the territory reduced to rubble. Aid groups warn of famine-like conditions amid Israel’s blockade and repeated offensives.
As Israel prepares to advance on Gaza City, Hamas insists the relocation plan is not about civilian protection but part of what it describes as a campaign of forced expulsion.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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