Mourners Attend Funeral of Journalist Killed by Israeli Shelling | VOANews

VOA is on the scene as Israel's military gathers along the border with Gaza, Oct. 14, 2023.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed early Friday 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.

“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.

"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.