The Israeli army has issued a sweeping order for all residents of Gaza City to evacuate on Tuesday, warning of a powerful new offensive aimed at seizing control of the largest urban center in the Gaza Strip.
The evacuation of Gaza city move has triggered widespread international concern over the humanitarian consequences for the entire enclave.
Israeli Army Issues the Evacuation of Gaza City Warning
According to the military’s announcement, evacuation of Gaza city orders cover every neighborhood of Gaza City—from the Old City and Al-Tuffah district in the east to the Mediterranean coastline in the west.
Residents were instructed to leave immediately via the Al-Rashid corridor toward the designated “humanitarian zone” in Al-Mawasi.
The military declared that large-scale operations would soon begin inside Gaza City.
Reports in Israel Hayom cited security sources claiming that around 100,000 people have already fled. Later in the day, Israeli army dropped leaflets over Gaza City, reiterating the evacuation demands.
Escalation of Airstrikes and Urban Demolitions
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that 30 high-rise buildings in Gaza had been demolished, accusing Hamas of using them as military infrastructure.
On Monday, the Israeli military had already signaled an escalation, promising intensified airstrikes in what it described as a “sweeping storm” campaign.
The ultimatum warned Hamas that failure to release all hostages and surrender would lead to the complete destruction of Gaza, echoing demands made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu: “This is Just the Beginning”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced the message, urging Gaza residents to leave immediately. Speaking from the Air Force operations room, Netanyahu stated:
“I promised just days ago that we would topple the terror towers in Gaza.
That is exactly what we are doing.
In the past two days, 50 such towers have been destroyed. But this is only the beginning.”
He confirmed that preparations are underway for a ground maneuver involving Israeli forces assembling outside Gaza City.
“Now comes the main phase.
Our ground forces are preparing to enter Gaza City.
I say to the residents—heed this warning and leave,” Netanyahu declared.
The prime minister also claimed Israeli army had dismantled militant strongholds in three refugee camps in the West Bank, vowing further operations against what he described as “terrorist nests.”
Growing Global Alarm Over Humanitarian Fallout
The mass displacement and the threat of a full-scale ground invasion are raising alarm across the international community.
Humanitarian organizations warn that the evacuation of Gaza City half million residents could deepen the crisis in an already devastated enclave.
With Israel ordering a total evacuation of Gaza City and signaling a major ground offensive, the conflict is entering a new and highly volatile phase.
As international observers express concern over civilian safety, the unfolding military campaign is set to redefine the trajectory of the Gaza conflict in the coming weeks.
