In a significant response to the ongoing conflict, around half a million Israelis have been evacuated since Hamas initiated its attack on the country on October 7. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Jonathan Conricus has confirmed the evacuation of all communities surrounding the Gaza Strip in accordance with government directives to ensure the safety of civilians.
These evacuations extend to areas along the northern border with Lebanon, reflecting heightened tensions with Hezbollah, another militant group. On the other side of the conflict, more than one million people have been displaced inside Gaza, creating a dire humanitarian situation. Conricus acknowledged the severity of the situation in Israel but emphasized that the conditions in Gaza are even worse.
Israel has issued warnings and advice to Palestinians in the conflict zone, resulting in 600,000 making the decision to move south for their safety, with another 100,000 individuals urged to do the same.