Tens of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing northern Gaza in anticipation of an expected Israeli ground offensive.

Shortly before 10am the Israeli army issued a new deadline, calling on civilians remaining in northern Gaza to head south between now and 1pm local time.

In the post of the Israeli armed forces it was stated that the army would not attack this road during the mentioned time period.

Those concerned about the safety of their families should head south, the Israeli military said in a statement, adding that Hamas, which rules Gaza, is looking after its members and their families.

It was the third ultimatum issued by the Israeli military since Friday ordering Gaza civilians to move from north to south.

Israel is in absolute war readiness

In the meantime, as reported by SKAI’s envoy to the region, Stavros Ioannidis, Israel is in full military readiness, having lined up armored vehicles and personnel carriers at a very short distance, about 6 km, from the border with Gaza.

All the vehicles are facing Gaza, commented St. Ioannidis adding that the concentration of the forces of the Israeli army is very large.

Gaza is being pushed into an abyss, UNRWA’s communications director told the BBC.

It is not clear at this stage how many people are moving from the north of the Gaza Strip to the south, but according to the UN aid agency operating inside the territory, this is a new “Exodus”.

“This is the worst we’ve ever seen, this is rock bottom. This is Gaza being pushed into an abyss, there is tragedy unfolding as the world watches. This is Gaza,” said Juliette Touma, adding: “People are leaving. Those who can, with their cars, some walk, others carry mattresses. People are terrified.”