Israeli Army Declares Imminent Evacuation of Gaza City Amid Intensifying Conflict

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:03:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the Israeli military gears up for a decisive offensive in Gaza City, it warns Palestinians about an inevitable evacuation while offering humanitarian aid for those relocating south.

The Israeli military has declared that the evacuation of Gaza City is forthcoming as forces prepare to take control of the area. The announcement was paired with assurances of generous humanitarian support for families moving south. Meanwhile, fierce ground operations have prompted thousands to flee amidst escalating violence. International reactions have warned of a dire humanitarian crisis as strategic military objectives intensify amid political and social upheaval.

The Israeli military has told Palestinians that the evacuation of Gaza City is inevitable, as its forces prepare to conquer it.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the military's Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee said families relocating to the south would receive the most generous humanitarian aid.

Israeli tanks pushed into a new area of Gaza City overnight, forcing more residents to flee, witnesses said. Thousands have already moved because of recent Israeli advances - mostly to other parts of the city, where about a million Palestinians still live.

The evacuation call comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to chair a meeting on a post-war vision for Gaza at the White House.

In early August, Israel announced plans to occupy the whole Gaza Strip - including Gaza City, which it described as Hamas's last stronghold.

The UN and non-governmental organisations have warned that an Israeli offensive in Gaza City would have a horrific humanitarian impact.

Late on Tuesday, tanks entered the Ibad al-Rahman district, in the city's northern outskirts, destroying several homes. All of a sudden, we heard that the tanks pushed into Ibad al-Rahman, the sounds of explosions became louder and louder, and we saw people escaping towards our area, Saad Abed told Reuters.

On Wednesday, the tanks reportedly retreated to Jabalia, an area further north where they have been operating. Bombardment also continued in Gaza City's Shejaiya, Zeitoun, and Sabra districts.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release deal broke down last month. However, he is facing both international and domestic pressure.

On Tuesday evening, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding a ceasefire deal to bring home the remaining Israeli hostages. Only 20 of the 50 hostages are believed to be alive.

In Washington on Tuesday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned that the White House was working on a very comprehensive plan for post-war Gaza, hinting at discussions led by Trump. He gave no detailed insights but expressed hope that the conflict will be resolved before the end of this year.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages. Since then, approximately 62,900 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza, according to health ministry figures.

The humanitarian situation has deteriorated drastically, with many being displaced multiple times, over 90% of housing damaged or destroyed, and essential services collapsed, leading to confirmed famine conditions in the Gaza area.