Israel’s military on Tuesday ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately ahead of a new offensive, triggering widespread panic in the enclave’s largest urban center. The move came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the campaign against Hamas would intensify into a “mighty hurricane” if the group did not release the last hostages it holds.
The order affects more than one million Palestinians, many of whom have been bracing for weeks for an Israeli push to dismantle what it describes as Hamas’ last strongholds. “I say to the residents of Gaza, take this opportunity and listen to me carefully: you have been warned, get out of there!” Netanyahu declared.
Residents expressed confusion and despair, with some preparing to flee south to Khan Younis, where the military designated Al-Mawasi as a “humanitarian zone.” Others insisted they would stay, saying nowhere in the besieged territory is safe. “Despite the bombardment in the past week, I have resisted leaving, but now I will go to be with my daughter,” said Um Mohammad, a 55-year-old mother of six.
Since the war erupted in October 2023 following Hamas’ deadly cross-border assault that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Gazans have endured repeated displacements, starvation, and worsening humanitarian conditions. The enclave’s health ministry says more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, with nearly the entire population displaced.
Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israel was prepared to escalate the campaign into a “mighty hurricane” if Hamas refused to disarm and release the remaining 48 hostages, 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive. Netanyahu said ground forces were preparing for a “manoeuvre” into the city, though tanks had not yet advanced deeper on Tuesday.
The looming offensive threatens to complicate ceasefire negotiations mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. A U.S.-backed proposal is under discussion in Doha, with Hamas saying it has received new ideas but has not yet agreed to terms. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel had already accepted the deal.
International criticism has mounted as the humanitarian toll deepens. Several European nations have vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, in defiance of Israel’s objections.
Critics warn that Israel’s plan to demilitarize Gaza and assume long-term security control could worsen the crisis in the strip, where famine has already been declared in parts of the population of 2.2 million.
Netanyahu, however, has remained firm, saying Israel has “no choice but to complete the job and defeat Hamas,” while Hamas insists it will not lay down arms unless an independent Palestinian state is established.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
