Gaza authorities say relocating 1.3 million civilians to south 'almost impossible'

Gaza authorities warned on Sunday that relocating 1.3 million civilians from the territory’s north to the south is “almost impossible” as Israel prepares to occupy Gaza City.

“The southern provinces cannot accommodate 1.3 million forcibly displaced people from Gaza City,” the government media office said in a statement.

Witnesses reported that Israeli forces have demolished entire neighbourhoods in northern Gaza City and ordered residents to evacuate to the south.

The authorities said that since Israel permitted the entry of tents and shelter supplies, only around 10,000 tents have entered Gaza – just 4% of the 250,000 tents and caravans needed.

“This figure reflects the manipulation and delays in responding to urgent humanitarian needs,” the office said.

It added that no tents or shelter supplies are currently available at border crossings because of restrictions imposed by Israel on international aid, worsening the plight of hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

The office also stressed that there are no safe areas for relocation, with the Israeli army controlling nearly 77% of the territory. It said any new displacement would be nearly impossible and would endanger lives.

On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved army plans to occupy Gaza City, vowing heavy fire and population displacement.

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