U.S. calls for changes to Israel"s Gaza evacuation orders

The Biden administration has expressed concerns over Israel's recent evacuation orders in Gaza, which have significantly increased since July 22, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians. An internal memo from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem highlighted the detrimental effects of these orders on humanitarian efforts, urging Israel to rescind unnecessary evacuation orders and allow greater freedom of movement for Palestinians. The memo also recommended delaying military operations to provide civilians with adequate time to evacuate safely. The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with the Israeli military designating small 'humanitarian zones' that are overcrowded and lacking basic services. Aid groups have reported difficulties in delivering assistance to these areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis affecting 2.1 million people. The memo indicated that the rapid succession of evacuation orders has heightened risks for civilians, as many have faced airstrikes shortly after being instructed to leave their homes. U.N. officials have criticized the evacuation orders, stating they are counterproductive and force families to flee under dangerous conditions. The ongoing conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported killed. The U.S., alongside Qatar and Egypt, is working to mediate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas amid these escalating tensions. As the humanitarian situation worsens, the U.S. government is striving to increase assistance to vulnerable populations in Gaza. The memo's recommendations aim to mitigate the impact of military operations on civilians and ensure that humanitarian efforts can continue despite the ongoing conflict.