Gaza City is home to approximately 1.2 million people, and the IDF estimates evacuating them will take longer than two weeks. There is 'not a single place in Deir al-Balah that is capable of accommodating' them, Mayor Nizar Ayash said
The Israeli army Spokesperson in Arabic, Avichay Adraee, said on Wednesday that the evacuation of Gaza City is "inevitable," telling the city's residents to leave for the southern Gaza Strip before the military starts its operation in the city.
Adraee said that Hamas is spreading "false rumors" that there is no more vacant land in the Strip, and attached a map which is meant to show the vacant areas in the central and southern Strip, adding that each family that will relocate will receive the maximum aid possible.
"The IDF has already begun letting in tents, making preparations for aid distribution hubs, laying down a water pipeline and more," he said.
Locals reported online that they were confused by the maps, which showed "empty and additional areas" for evacuation but did not specify no-go zones. The "empty" areas totaled seven square kilometers (2.7 square miles) and include areas already housing displaced Palestinians.
