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Israel’s military has cautioned Palestinians in north Gaza to relocate to the southern part of the strip.

Leaflets with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) logo, distributed from Saturday, and audio messages sent to mobile phones across Gaza read: “Urgent warning, to residents of Gaza. Your presence north of Wadi Gaza puts your life in danger. Whoever chooses not to leave north Gaza to the south of Wadi Gaza might be identified as an accomplice in a terrorist organization.”

Troops and armor have been mobilized at the Gaza border, indicating a potential land incursion. In clarifying its stance, the Israeli military stated, “In order to minimize civilian harm, the IDF sent a request to the residents of the northern area of the Gaza Strip to evacuate southward of Wadi Gaza,” and emphasized not targeting civilians.

While Israel has previously suggested Palestinians move southward, this is the first instance of a warning regarding potential “terrorist” affiliations. The relocation remains precarious due to ongoing airstrikes, with reports of southern areas also being affected and families recounting losses from these strikes in southern Gaza.