Israeli forces systematically removing Palestinians from northern Gaza, says military

Israeli ground forces are getting closer to "the complete evacuation" of the northern Gaza Strip and residents will not be allowed to return home, the military has said, in what appears to be the first official acknowledgement from Israel that it is systematically removing Palestinians from the area.

- Bethan McKernan, William Christou

In a media briefing on Tuesday night, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Brig Gen Itzik Cohen told Israeli reporters that since troops had been forced to enter some areas twice, such as Jabalia camp, "there is no intention of allowing the residents of the northern Gaza strip to return to their homes".

Aid would be allowed to enter the south of the territory "regularly", he said, but not the north, since there are "no more civilians left".

Such actions would amount to the war crimes of forcible transfer and the use of food as a weapon, say international humanitarian law experts.

The Israeli army and government have repeatedly denied they are trying to force the remaining population of north Gaza to flee south during a month-long renewed offensive and siege. Residents still in the north say the new operation has created the worst conditions to date. Israel claims the push is to combat Hamas cells.