Long queues formed outside bakeries in Khan Younis, Gaza Saturday, as the Palestinian enclave suffered power cuts and dwindling food supplies after a week of retaliatory airstrikes and a full Israeli blockade.

Israel’s military has announced a roughly six-hour window for Palestinians to continue fleeing south along specified routes inside of Gaza, as thousands vacate their homes following evacuation orders ahead of a possible Israel Defense Forces ground assault.

“Follow our instructions — move south of Wadi Gaza,” said IDF spokesperson Richard Hecht during a Saturday news briefing, suggesting residents who remain north of that geographic location may be faced with a possible Israeli offensive.

IDF officials also told the residents in northern regions they could continue to travel south on the territory’s main highways Saturday “without any harm” until 4 p.m.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed early Friday that it had notified residents in Gaza City to leave for “their own safety and protection” after it vowed to annihilate Hamas after its fighters stormed through towns and villages in southern Israel last week, killing 1,300 Israelis, mainly civilians, and making off with scores of hostages.

“You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made,” IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said in a live-streamed briefing on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

https://www.voanews.com/a/gazans-scramble-as-clock-ticks-down-on-israeli-evacuation-orders/7310676.html

» Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi
» Watch more VOA News video: https://www.youtube.com/c/VOANews

Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations.

Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.

Connect with VOA News:

» VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com
» LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/voanews
» FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/voanews
» FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/VOANews
» FOLLOW US ON THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@voanews
#news #voanews

source

Supporters of Israel and backers of the Palestinian cause held competing rallies in Times Square in New York City on Sunday over the conflict that has killed hundreds and wounded thousands in the Middle East.

The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday on Hamas militants in Gaza, setting the stage for a massive Israeli military response to the Islamist militant group’s surprise attack on the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already said Saturday his country was at war with Hamas as the militants’ attack raged, but his assessment was rhetorical. The Cabinet decision was an official declaration of war.

Ahead of the Cabinet vote, Netanyahu declared that Israel would “take mighty vengeance” against Hamas, even as Israeli soldiers battled Hamas fighters Sunday in the streets of southern Israel and launched retaliatory airstrikes that leveled buildings in Gaza.

The White House said President Joe Biden ordered unspecified additional support for Israel after he and Vice President Kamala Harris heard a report on the attack from national security officials.

Hamas and Israel have fought four wars since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.

The U.N. Security Council called an emergency meeting for Sunday to discuss the latest violence. #israel #palestine #gaza

READ MORE HERE: https://www.voanews.com/a/israel-officially-declares-war-on-hamas-after-surprise-attack-/7301836.html

» Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi
» Watch more VOA News video: https://www.youtube.com/c/VOANews

Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations.

Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.

Connect with VOA News:

» VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com
» LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/voanews
» FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/voanews
» FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/VOANews
» FOLLOW US ON THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@voanews
#news #voanews

source