Israel army publishes map it says advises Gazans of safe evacuation areas

1/12/2023 18:19

        The Israeli army said on Friday that with the resumption of fighting it had published a map to advise Gazans of safe areas for their evacuation.
        
        Its statement linked to an Israeli army website in Arabic showing an Evacuation Zone Map. It said an Arabic-language video had been released on social networks and the map was being distributed by the army in Gaza.
        
        The statement said, "This divides the territory of the Gaza Strip into areas according to recognizable areas to enable the residents of Gaza to orient themselves and understand the instructions, and to evacuate from specific places for their safety if required."
        
        On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his third visit to the Middle East since war began on Oct. 7, told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's campaign in southern Gaza must not repeat the massive loss of civilian life and displacement seen during its offensive in the north.
        
        Blinken said he had laid out clear steps for Israel to minimise civilian casualties but did not say whether he was assured the steps would be taken.