Israel has asked residents of north Gaza to relocate to the south of the Strip in the next 24 hours as its air bombardment of the Hamas-controlled territory intensifies.
The directive from Israel said Hamas is using civilians in the north as human shields.
Israel’s order would translate to the entire 1.1 million population of Gaza city and its surroundings having to flee their homes.
The United Nations has warned that the order will have “devastating humanitarian consequences” and has called on Israel to revoke it.
The Palestinian Hamas militant group has issued a contrary directive to residents, asking them not to leave their homes.
On October 7, Hamas launched an unprecedented and coordinated land, air and sea incursion of Israel which reportedly killed 1,300 Israelis.
Hamas kidnapped at least 150 Israelis and took them into Gaza. Afterwards, the group commenced the launching of rockets into Israeli territory.
Israel has since ramped up its retaliatory air bombardment of Gaza and implemented a total blockade of food, fuel and electricity on the territory.
Hospitals on the Strip are running out of supplies, energy and food amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The death toll on the Strip has exceeded 1,500, with Israel amassing tanks and artillery around Gaza preparatory to a ground invasion.
Israel has vowed not to lift restrictions on Gaza until Hamas frees all hostages.