In anticipation of a ground invasion of the densely populated Palestinian territory, Hamas on Friday rejected an Israeli directive requiring 1.1 million civilians to leave northern Gaza.
The Islamist militant organisation issued a statement saying, “Our Palestinian people reject the threat of the occupation (Israeli) leaders and its call for them to leave their homes and flee from them to the south or Egypt.”
“We are steadfast on our land and in our homes and our cities. There will be no displacement,” it said.
The United Nations warned that a “calamitous situation” may result from Israel’s order to leave within 24 hours.
Since Saturday, Israeli bombardment on the coastal enclave have claimed more than 1,530 lives. This is in reprisal for attacks in Israel by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people.
The only path out of Gaza that is not under Israeli control is via Egypt’s Rafah crossing, which has seen multiple bombings this week.
In an address on Thursday, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged Palestinians to “remain on their land,” but he also stated that Egypt is still committed to securing the delivery of aid to Gaza.
