SEATOday.com, Gaza - The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Gaza urged residents in northern Gaza to oppose Israeli evacuation orders and warned that southern areas claimed by the Israeli army to be safe are also facing constant bombardment.

The ministry's statement was issued on Saturday (10/12), hours after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning to most of northern Gaza and advised residents to leave the area as part of an expanded military offensive that began on October 6.

“We urge all our citizens to remain steadfast and not to leave their homes, especially in areas threatened by the occupation this morning,” the statement read.

For those who feel threatened, the ministry suggested seeking refuge in nearby locations rather than moving south, where heavy shelling and casualties continue despite assurances of safety.

The ministry also called on the international community and global institutions to pressure Israel to end what they described as the genocide and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.

On Saturday (10/12) morning, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee issued an order for residents in “area D5” to evacuate. A map issued by the army marked most of northern Gaza, including Jabalia and parts of Sheikh Radwan, in red as evacuation zones.

According to Anadolu correspondent, tens of thousands of Palestinians live in those areas, many of whom have fled Jabalia and nearby towns due to the ongoing Israeli offensive.

Violence in Gaza has escalated since October 6, following a major escalation in northern Gaza that marked the fiercest clashes since May. The Israeli offensive began after a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7 last year that triggered a military response despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.