Israel’s military on Tuesday ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a new offensive to seize the enclave’s largest urban centre, a move that has stirred international alarm over the fate of civilians in the war-torn territory.
Capturing the city, home to nearly one million Palestinians, is central to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy of taking control of Hamas’ remaining strongholds. Netanyahu insisted Israel must finish the fight, accusing Hamas of refusing to lay down its arms. Hamas, meanwhile, has maintained it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established.
International critics warn that Israel’s plan to demilitarise the Gaza Strip and impose its security control could intensify the humanitarian crisis for the enclave’s 2.2 million people, already facing a severe risk of famine.
Mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have so far failed to broker a ceasefire or secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Since the war erupted after Hamas’ cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Israel has seized 75% of Gaza. Authorities say 20 of the 48 hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive.
Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault, nearly the entire population has been displaced, and large parts of the enclave lie in ruins.
