Removing the human shields.
Via JPost
The IDF has begun evacuating residents of northern Gaza, and other areas in the coastal enclave from which heavy and long-range rockets are being fired at Israel, ahead of a stepped-up campaign of air raids that will target Hamas leaders hiding under large residential buildings, a senior army source warned Saturday night.
“We are moving to a more significant phase. Since the leaders are hiding under homes and using human shields, we are initiating the evacuation of civilians in Gaza before stepping up attacks. Until now, we’ve tried to use minimal force to lower civilian casualties. That explains how, even though we have hit 1300 targets, the civilian casualty rate is so low,” the source said.
“But in order to improve effectiveness in our operations in northern Gaza and other areas, we will in the coming hours evacuate civilians for their own safety, from places where rocket fire has occurred,” he added.
Residents of Gaza in areas that the IDF will soon strike will receive information, either via telephone or other means, informing them that terrorist elements are operating in their area, and that they must leave for their own safety.
“I am confident most will leave,” the source said. “Then, there will be much more significant attacks.” Some Hamas leaders are hiding under Gaza hospitals, the source stated.
The source described heavy rocket barrages on Tel Aviv on Saturday night as a form of “psychological warfare,” adding that Hamas has been pushed into a corner, and is now seeking to step up threats.
He added that the IDF is fully ready to launch a ground offensive if ordered to do so. “A ground maneuver is one way to obtain achievements. The option is on the table, and can be activated within a short time. It’s a matter of making a decision,” the source said.