Israeli evacuation warnings trick Gazans to death

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: CNN
17 Oct 2023 15:48

This devastating attack claimed the lives of Aaed and 12 other family members, including seven children.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP)

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) issued warnings to Palestinians in north Gaza through phone calls, text messages, and fliers, advising them to evacuate to southern areas for safety as the IOF conducted operations in Gaza City, CNN reported on Tuesday.

However, some Palestinians who followed these evacuation instructions were tragically killed in Israeli airstrikes outside of the designated safe zones.

This situation highlights the ongoing danger faced by civilians in the densely populated Gaza Strip, where there is no safe refuge from Israeli airstrikes.

During the early hours of Friday, Aaed Al-Ajrami and his nephew, Raji, were contacted by an Israeli military official who urgently advised them to gather everyone they knew and evacuate to the south without delay, Raji told CNN.

Tragically, despite adhering to the instructions and relocating south of the designated evacuation area, Aaed's family fell victim to an Israeli airstrike the following day.

IDF dropping thousands of fliers in the northern Gaza Strip, warning civilians to evacuate south. pic.twitter.com/nJSZTx6Xn3
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 13, 2023

CNN obtained an audio recording of the phone call, shedding light on the brief conversation.

During the call, the IOF instructed them to evacuate to the south of the designated evacuation zone but provided no guidance on how to reach the safe area.

Raji, who was part of the call, mentioned that upon recognizing the caller, they decided to record the conversation, intending to share it with other family members.

"All of you go to the South. You and all your family members. Gather all of your stuff with you and head there," the officer told them.

Upon asking what road to take, the officer answered: "It doesn’t matter which road,” the officer replied. "Do it as fast as you can. There is no time left."

Aaed took the warning seriously, and on Friday morning, he departed southward with his family and relatives in Deir Al Balah, a city located approximately eight miles to the south of Wadi Gaza and outside the designated evacuation zone.

On the following day, an Israeli airstrike targeted the area, destroying the building where Aaed's family had sought refuge.

This devastating attack claimed the lives of Aaed and 12 other family members, including seven children.