The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they would allow people in Gaza to move south along certain streets, even though their troops came under fire as they tried to secure a safe passage for civilians.
The main evacuation route will be open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time, according to a spokesman for the Israeli armed forces.
“If you care for yourself and your loved ones, go south according to our instructions. Rest assured that the leaders of Hamas have already taken care of themselves," he wrote in "X," CNN reported.
Hamas fired mortars and anti-tank projectiles at Israeli forces "who wanted to open the road from the northern part of the Gaza Strip to its south," the statement added.
"Hamas members did this because they wanted to keep human shields for themselves and their leaders," he said. "For your safety, take the next road to move south beyond Wadi Gaza."
Israel's military has repeatedly called on civilians in Gaza to move south as it ramps up its offensive. /BGNES
