Gaza City: The Israeli military on Monday issued an unprecedented order calling on all residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately, signaling preparations for an expanded offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas’s remaining presence in the enclave. The sweeping directive has stirred fears of mass displacement and heightened humanitarian suffering, as the city of nearly one million people faces escalating bombardments and shortages of essential supplies.
The evacuation order came with warnings that the military campaign would intensify in the coming days if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the impending action as a “mighty hurricane,” insisting that Israel’s offensive would continue until the militant group is dismantled. The statement followed reports that negotiations mediated by the United States and Qatar remain ongoing, with Hamas still reviewing a ceasefire proposal that Israel has already accepted.
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces have already demolished around 30 high-rise buildings in Gaza City. Israel claims these towers were being used by Hamas for military purposes, though the militant group has denied the accusations. Independent verification has not been possible due to restricted access. Katz argued that the strikes were necessary to cripple Hamas’s infrastructure, while humanitarian agencies warned that such actions have rendered thousands of civilians homeless.
Despite the army’s directive urging residents to move south through designated humanitarian corridors, only a fraction of Gaza City’s population has complied. Many remain trapped, unable or unwilling to leave their homes, fearing both the dangers of travel under bombardment and the lack of shelter and resources in southern Gaza. Aid groups have stressed that the southern region is already overwhelmed, warning that it lacks the capacity to absorb another wave of displaced families.
The evacuation order marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict, as it is the first time Israel has demanded a complete clearance of Gaza’s capital city. International observers have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of such a drastic move. With over 60,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict began and widespread famine conditions in parts of Gaza, the United Nations and aid agencies have urged restraint, calling for safe passage and expanded humanitarian access.
At the same time, Israel has faced growing criticism for striking residential towers and areas previously designated as “safe zones.” Residents describe scenes of chaos, with families forced to flee under fire, carrying whatever belongings they could. As one displaced resident told aid workers, “There is nowhere left to go, every place is unsafe.”
While the military escalation appears imminent, much hinges on the outcome of ceasefire talks led by U.S. and Qatari mediators. If successful, they could halt further bloodshed and prevent a full-scale assault on Gaza City. But with Israel preparing for what it calls a decisive phase of the war, and Hamas showing no signs of capitulating, the prospect of a humanitarian catastrophe looms large over the enclave.