From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
IDF announces humanitarian zone in southwest Gaza
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israel Defense Forces announced the creation of a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza where international aid will be provided, after days of negotiations with Egypt, the US and others to create a safe zone for fleeing Gazans.
The IDF says Palestinians should go to a humanitarian zone in the Al-Mawasi area, close to Khan Younis, where “international humanitarian aid will be provided as needed.”
It also renews its calls on Palestinians in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to evacuate south, as the military has warned it will soon heavily target the area.
The military publishes a map of the zone.
The IDF calls on #GazaCity residents to evacuate south for their protection.
Al-Mawasi is where international #HumanitarianAid will be provided as needed. pic.twitter.com/HT4PGtzNre
— COGAT (@cogatonline) October 18, 2023
On Tuesday, Israel bombarded areas of Khan Younis and Rafah, cities where Palestinians who had fled the north in the wake of the IDF’s warning had congregated, garnering anger.
