‘Leave Gaza in 24 hours’Smoke plumes billow following Israeli bombardment in Gaza City on Oct. 11, 2023 on the fifth day of fighting between Israel and the Hamas movement. GAZA CITY — Israel yesterday gave Palestinians 24 hours to leave Gaza City ahead of an expected ground offensive in retaliation against Hamas for the deadliest attack in Israeli history. The Israeli army confirmed yesterday it had called on Gaza City residents to move “to the area south of the Wadi Gaza,” which is just below Gaza City in the 40-kilometer-long territory. “In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians,” the army said. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel yesterday on a visit also aimed at showing solidarity, after Blinken’s stop.
