COGAT official reiterates importance of evacuating northern Gaza: 'We repeat our recommendation'

Five days after the Israel Defense Forces issued an urgent evacuation warning to millions of civilians in northern Gaza ahead of a possible ground incursion, Israel-based Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reiterated the message Wednesday morning.

Col. Elad Goren, head of the civil department at COGAT, said in a video on X, formerly Twitter, that the evacuation measure is to protect the innocent, whom he encouraged to move to the south of the Wadi Gaza in the open areas of western Khan Younis.

"Hamas is trying to prevent the population from evacuating northern Gaza. Hamas continues to bring destruction upon Gaza and to endanger its residents," Goren said. "We repeat our recommendation: anyone located in the northern part of Gaza Strip should move to the south."

COGAT said international humanitarian aid will be provided in Al-Mawasi as needed.

Civilians of northern Gaza are encouraged to evacuate south of the Wadi Gaza to the open areas of western Khan Younis. (COGAT)