Deadline up, IDF awaits political nod for ground assault

With the three-hour deadline for citizens to evacuate north Gaza long over, the Israeli Defence Forces are now waiting for a political green signal for a ground offensive, according to news agency AFP.

Israel had told 1.1 million citizens of north Gaza to leave via the designated safe routes. Military spokesmen Lieutenant Richard Hecht and Daniel Hagari told the media that “a political decision” will set off any action against Hamas, reported AFP.

However, Israel has been under pressure from the UN and some allies to put on hold any ground offensive until all civilians have left. The UN insists that evacuating north Gaza is near impossible, given the population density and the large number of seriously injured patients in the hospitals.

A ground invasion also poses questions about the safety of the 150 hostages held by Hamas.

Tens of thousands of Israeli troops are currently surrounding Gaza.