On October 13, 2023, the IDF called on civilians in Gaza City to evacuate southward for their safety, asserting that Hamas was using residents as human shields. Hamas publicly urged people to stay. The contrasting messages came amid heavy fighting and airstrikes as Israel prepared expanded ground operations.
Facts: Date — 13 Oct 2023; Location — Gaza City to southern Gaza; Action — evacuation call; Counter-message — Hamas told residents to remain.
Sources: Reuters (Oct 13 & Oct 15, 2023); U.S. CRS backgrounder.
