Gaza City evacuation: Israel orders residents to leave before major offensive

Gaza City evacuation orders shook Palestinians on Tuesday after Israel dropped leaflets demanding civilians leave. Israeli officials announced an imminent large-scale ground assault to eliminate Hamas. The leaflets flooded destroyed neighbourhoods and triggered widespread panic. Families pleaded that they had no safe shelter, since Israeli forces struck across the strip, including Al-Mawasi in the south, which Israel had earlier labeled a “humanitarian zone.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a stern warning, telling civilians, “Get out of Gaza City now or face the consequences.”

Hospitals under threat

The Gaza health ministry confirmed that Al Shifa and Al Ahli hospitals must evacuate. Doctors, however, insisted they would not abandon their patients despite the dangers. Israel reported that its military already controls 40% of the city and now prepares for a full-scale assault. Defence Minister Israel Katz promised a “mighty hurricane” if Hamas refused to release hostages and surrender.

Humanitarian disaster

The war entered its second year after Hamas militants attacked Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israeli attacks since then have killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Almost 2.2 million people now face displacement, with famine spreading to several areas of Gaza.

Global reaction

Diplomatic tensions soared as European nations announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. Arab and Western governments condemned Israel’s military campaign, warning that complete control of Gaza and forced demilitarisation would create an even more severe humanitarian crisis.