(TJV) Hamas has called upon Palestinians to remain in their homes as Israel has issued extensive evacuation orders for nearly half of Gaza’s population, which numbers over 2.3 million, in anticipation of an upcoming ground offensive.

The Hamas refugee affairs authority, in the northern region, has advised residents to stay resolute within their residences, standing firm in the face of what they describe as a manipulative psychological warfare campaign conducted by the occupying forces.

Israel’s evacuation orders encompass the northern region of Gaza, which includes Gaza City and is home to hundreds of thousands of people. Due to the complete sealing of the territory by Israel, Palestinians have limited options to move within Gaza itself. This situation has left civilians inside Gaza in a state of confusion and fear, as they worry about their ability to escape what could potentially become the largest displacement in decades. All of this is unfolding within the confines of a small enclave measuring just 365 square kilometers in total. The northern part of the Gaza Strip, which includes Gaza City and its surrounding areas, is estimated to house approximately 1.1 million residents.