The Israeli military has issued a full evacuation order for
Gaza City, home to around one million Palestinians, ahead of a planned expanded
military offensive. Despite warnings and calls to evacuate south to designated
humanitarian zones, many residents remain, expressing fear, exhaustion, and
uncertainty about their safety.
Israeli Evacuation Order and Military Intentions
As reported by Omar al-Jawari of CNN, the Israeli military mandated on Tuesday the complete evacuation of Gaza City, warning residents to
move south to al-Mawasi, a designated humanitarian zone. Avichay Adraee, the
military spokesperson for the Arabic division, emphasised the determination of
the Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) to overcome Hamas with “substantial force in
the Gaza City region,” extending through the Strip. Leaflets with detailed maps
were distributed urging civilians in northern Gaza to head west toward the
coast before proceeding southward.
The evacuation order follows intensified military operations
including airstrikes and ground engagements, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioning Palestinians that this represents the
"beginning of intensified ground operations." Israeli forces claim to
currently control around 40% of Gaza City as part of their campaign to defeat
Hamas.
Humanitarian and Civilian Impact
According to Natasha Bertrand of ABC News, despite Israel's
stern warnings, a large segment of Gaza City's population remains in place.
Reasons given range from the prohibitive cost of evacuation—often exceeding
$1,000—to fears about overcrowded and unsafe displacement sites. Humanitarian
aid is promised but significant gaps in infrastructure and shelter remain. The
United Nations reports tens of thousands of tents and supplies are still
awaiting clearance to enter Gaza.
UN agencies warn of a looming humanitarian catastrophe, as
Gaza City residents face dire shortages of food and shelter. The Interior
Ministry of Gaza, under Hamas administration, reported rescue operations still
underway after Israeli demolition of high-rise buildings suspected of
harbouring Hamas infrastructure. Reports from Dr Rami Mhanna, managing director
of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, note that while the hospital remains
operational, the psychological strain on staff and patients is immense.
Palestinian Response and Civil Protests
As documented by Nina Larson of Euronews, many Palestinians
have protested the evacuation orders, some vowing to stay despite imminent
danger. Medical staff have voiced their refusal to abandon their posts, calling
for protection. Protests in Gaza City emerged shortly after the evacuation
warnings were issued, underscoring the tension among residents who accuse
Israel of forcing displacement with limited viable alternatives.
Families of hostages held by Hamas have urged Israeli
lawmakers to consider negotiating for their release rather than escalating
military operations. Iair Horn, a former captive, testified before Israel’s
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee advocating for diplomatic
resolutions.
Military Actions and Strategic Objectives
As reported by the Associated Press and PBS NewsHour
reporters, Israeli forces have demolished 30 high-rise buildings overnight,
claiming these structures were used by Hamas for military operations. Rescue
teams recovered individuals trapped under the rubble, but lack of equipment
hampers further efforts. Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s goal
of dismantling Hamas’ stronghold in Gaza City through ground invasion and
widespread airstrikes.
The IDF continues to encourage civilians to evacuate towards
southern Gaza, yet logistical challenges remain profound. Aid organizations
highlight that the modest humanitarian corridors are overwhelmed or not fully
operational, adding to residents’ fears and reluctance to move.
Summary of Population Movements and Aid Efforts
Data from the Site Management Cluster, a coalition tracking
population movements, indicates approximately 50,000 Palestinians have fled
south in recent days, with a similar number relocating within northern Gaza.
Nevertheless, this represents less than 10% of Gaza City's population, showing
the limited impact of evacuation orders thus far.
United Nations agencies, including UNRWA, note Israeli
attacks on residential towers have displaced numerous families into the streets
without shelter or basic necessities, further escalating the humanitarian
crisis.
International Reactions and Ongoing Conflict
Reuters journalist Adam Rasgon noted that indirect ceasefire
negotiations are stalled, with both Hamas and Israel maintaining contradictory
demands. Meanwhile, reports from Al Jazeera indicate Israeli forces continue
targeting Hamas leadership, with recent Israeli attacks on Qatar’s capital
highlighting the broader regional tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with continued Israeli military advances in Gaza City marking a critical and contentious phase in the conflict. The international community watches closely as civilian suffering mounts and prospects for peace appear increasingly remote.