Military authorities in Israel urge Gaza inhabitants to evacuate their homes

The Israeli military has escalated its operations in the Gaza Strip, issuing an official evacuation call for residents of Gaza City. This is the first time such a call has been made for the entire city, following previous calls for specific areas.

In a statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Hamas, stating that if they do not lay down their weapons and release all hostages, they and the city of Gaza will be destroyed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has echoed this sentiment, urging residents to leave the city.

The planned takeover of Gaza City has been in the works since August 2025, with preparatory measures beginning then and the mobilization of 60,000 reservists underway by early September. Netanyahu has described the offensive as imminent, though no precise start date has been provided.

The Israeli army has targeted Hamas facilities in Gaza multiple times in the past, according to army statements. On Monday, the army destroyed 30 high-rise buildings in Gaza to dismantle terrorist organizations' infrastructure and pave the way for Israeli forces' advance.

The evacuation call has prompted concern from aid organizations, who have warned of a further deterioration of the already catastrophic situation of the civilian population. Recent estimates suggest that around one million people were still living in the city of Gaza until recently. As of Sunday, around 100,000 Palestinians had left the area.

The Israeli army has provided a number for people who may encounter Hamas roadblocks or other obstacles preventing their evacuation. Residents are advised to move to Al-Mawasi in the south, a designated "humanitarian zone" in the southwest of the contested area.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, "You have been warned, get out of there." The Israeli army plans to act with great intensity in Gaza to defeat Hamas. The army has warned that it will act with the same intensity throughout the coastal strip as it has done previously.

Aid organizations have called for international intervention to protect civilians in the region. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.