Hamas has denounced Israel’s forced relocation of Gaza City residents as a “new wave of genocide and displacement,” condemning the deployment of tents to southern Gaza as a “blatant deception” masking ethnic cleansing. The plan, approved by Israel’s security cabinet last week aims to empty northern Gaza through “evacuation orders” while escalating military operations in Zeitoun, Sabra, and Tuffah neighborhoods. Hamas asserts these actions deliberately weaponize starvation and bombing to expel Palestinians permanently from their homeland.
Israel’s siege has intensified Gaza’s man-made famine, with UNRWA confirming starvation deaths have reached 258 Palestinians, including 110 children. The World Food Programme reports current aid meets only 47% of needs, leaving 500,000 people facing catastrophic hunger. Despite Israeli claims of “humanitarian pauses,” at least 46 aid-seekers were killed by Israeli fire in August alone while attempting to access supplies. Hospitals document collapsing medical staff and infants dying from malnutrition as families subsist on one daily meal of lentils or rice.
The Israeli military’s distribution of tents in southern Gaza coincides with preparations to occupy Gaza City, a move the UN warns risks “catastrophic consequences.” Hamas spokesperson Jihad Taha stated: “These tents are cages for concentration camps, not shelters.” Palestinians like Raghda Abu Dhaher, displaced ten times, reject relocation: “There are no humanitarian zones. Here is bombing, there is bombing.” Eyewitnesses confirm designated “safe areas” like Deir al-Balah endure continued airstrikes, including Sunday’s attack killing 30 at a Nuseirat camp.
The UN, UK, and Amnesty International have condemned the relocation plan as illegal forced displacement under international law. Amnesty’s landmark report confirms Israel’s actions constitute genocide, citing “intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza” through mass killings, starvation, and infrastructure destruction. Despite this, the U.S. continues funding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), linked to 1,760 Palestinian deaths at aid points since May. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini blasted GHF as “dehumanization, chaos, and death”.
With arrest warrants active against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the ICC, Hamas reaffirms Palestinians’ right to resist occupation. The group vows to defend Gaza City against annexation, stating: “We will not exchange our homes for tents in the desert.” As Israel mobilizes 30,000 troops for the offensive, Hamas warns the operation endangers remaining Israeli hostages, accusing Netanyahu of “sacrificing captives for political survival”.