Israeli Military Orders Gaza City Evacuation as Offensive Intensifies
TEL AVIV, Sept. 6, 2025 — The Israeli military has issued a stark warning to Palestinian civilians in Gaza City, urging them to evacuate immediately as operations expand throughout the densely populated urban area. The military said it is advancing further into Gaza’s largest city amid a months-long offensive aimed at weakening Hamas, which Israel accuses of using the city as its main stronghold.
The directive comes amid heavy fighting and escalating airstrikes, which have already displaced hundreds of thousands. The ongoing military campaign, launched following the October 2023 Hamas attacks that triggered the war, is now centered on the symbolic and strategic capture of Gaza City.
Israeli Military Expands Ground Operation in Gaza City
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned that the military is “operating throughout Gaza City” and advised civilians to evacuate to a designated humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. He said residents in the safe zone would be provided with food, medical services, and shelter.
“We urge civilians to move south immediately for their safety,” Adraee wrote, assuring that humanitarian support would be available.
The evacuation notice follows weeks of heavy bombardment and ground incursions into the city’s outer suburbs. Israeli forces reportedly control nearly half of Gaza City, and claim to have taken 75% of the Gaza Strip overall.
Gaza City’s Pre-War Population Faces Renewed Displacement
Before the conflict, Gaza City housed approximately one million people—nearly half of the Gaza Strip’s population. Many of those now living in the city had already been displaced earlier in the war, often returning after previous evacuations.
Now, civilians are again being told to flee, and some are refusing to leave, citing exhaustion, fear of permanent displacement, and lack of trust in Israeli assurances.
“We left once and came back. Where are we supposed to go now?” said a Gaza City resident in a local interview.
The current military campaign is expected to trigger a massive wave of internal displacement, further straining resources in southern Gaza, where humanitarian conditions are already dire.
Netanyahu Pushes Offensive Despite Military Concerns
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by his right-wing coalition allies, has ordered the full capture of Gaza City, calling it essential to defeating Hamas. However, Israeli officials say this directive was issued despite objections from senior military leaders, who warned of long-term consequences and humanitarian fallout.
Nevertheless, tens of thousands of Israeli reservists have been deployed to support the expanding campaign. Forces are now reportedly within a few kilometers of the city center, with combat operations ongoing day and night.
Diplomatic Fallout and Growing Pressure for a Ceasefire
As the Gaza war stretches into its second year, Israel faces growing international criticism. Some of its closest allies have publicly condemned the military campaign for its devastating impact on civilians, including mass casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
Within Israel, domestic pressure is also building, particularly from families of hostages still held by Hamas. These groups are demanding an end to the war in exchange for the safe return of their loved ones.
“There are 48 hostages still unaccounted for,” said an Israeli official. “We believe around 20 may still be alive.”
Efforts to broker a diplomatic solution have repeatedly failed, most recently in July, when U.S.- and Arab-mediated talks collapsed. Hamas had proposed releasing some hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, but both sides have accused each other of negotiating in bad faith.
Hamas’ Control Shrinks Amid Israeli Advances
While Hamas has governed Gaza for nearly two decades, its territorial control has significantly weakened under Israeli pressure. Israeli military leaders claim that many senior Hamas leaders have been killed, and that the group has been reduced to operating as a guerrilla force within pockets of the territory.
Despite this, Hamas continues to demand that Israel agree to a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of all hostages.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, has rejected partial deals, pushing for a comprehensive resolution that includes the disarmament of Hamas and the simultaneous release of all hostages.
“We won’t stop until Hamas accepts our conditions,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “If they don’t, we will continue the fight until they are completely dismantled.”
Humanitarian Concerns Grow as War Drags On
The latest push into Gaza City has raised alarm among humanitarian organizations and the United Nations. As civilians are urged to flee south once again, aid groups are warning of an unfolding humanitarian disaster.
Access to food, clean water, and medical supplies remains limited. Shelter facilities in the south are overcrowded, and infrastructure across Gaza has been severely damaged by months of bombardment.
“Civilians are being forced to choose between death and displacement,” said a spokesperson for a major international aid organization. “What we are witnessing is a full-blown humanitarian emergency.”
What’s Next: Continued Conflict or Renewed Negotiations?
The coming weeks are likely to determine the trajectory of the war. While Israel shows no signs of slowing its military push, the internal and international calls for a diplomatic resolution are intensifying.
If Hamas agrees to the Israeli demands — a full hostage release and surrender — the war could potentially draw to a close. But with both sides standing firm, the conflict shows no immediate signs of resolution.
Meanwhile, the civilians of Gaza, especially those in Gaza City, remain trapped in a cycle of evacuation, fear, and uncertainty.
