Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the complete evacuation of Gaza City, marking what could be the final phase of Israel’s campaign to eliminate Hamas from its last major stronghold.
Story Highlights
- Netanyahu directly warns Gaza City residents to evacuate immediately before a major military operation.
- Israeli military drops leaflets ordering full evacuation of entire city ahead of ground assault.
- The operation targets Hamas’s final major stronghold after nearly two years of conflict.
- The international community condemns the evacuation order as a potential humanitarian catastrophe.
Netanyahu Issues Direct Warning to Gaza Civilians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a blunt video message to Gaza City residents: “You have been warned — get out of there!”
The warning came with a comprehensive military evacuation order that Israeli forces began implementing immediately.
Netanyahu’s direct appeal represents an unprecedented communication from an Israeli leader to Palestinian civilians ahead of what military officials describe as decisive operations against Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces followed Netanyahu’s warning by dropping thousands of leaflets throughout Gaza City and broadcasting evacuation orders via loudspeakers.
Military spokespeople emphasized that remaining in the city would be “extremely dangerous” as Israel prepares to deploy “great force” against Hamas positions.
The evacuation directive instructs all residents to move south to the designated humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi.
Final Push Against Hamas Stronghold
Gaza City represents Hamas’s last major urban stronghold after nearly two years of sustained Israeli military operations that began following Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
The Israeli security cabinet approved the plan to seize Gaza City in August 2025, marking a strategic shift toward more aggressive ground operations.
Military analysts note that controlling Gaza City would effectively eliminate Hamas’s ability to govern and coordinate resistance operations.
The timing reflects Israel’s assessment that degrading Hamas’s military capabilities requires controlling its administrative and operational center.
Israeli forces have systematically targeted Hamas infrastructure throughout Gaza, but the group has maintained a significant presence in Gaza City’s dense urban environment.
Netanyahu’s government views this operation as potentially decisive in achieving the stated goal of destroying Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.
International Opposition Mounts
The United Nations and multiple international organizations have condemned the evacuation order, warning it could constitute collective punishment under international law.
Humanitarian groups argue that the designated safe zone in Al-Mawasi lacks adequate infrastructure to support the massive influx of displaced civilians.
The UN has characterized the potential displacement as “massive forced displacement and more killing” that would exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
However, from a practical standpoint, Israel’s evacuation warnings demonstrate efforts to minimize civilian casualties while pursuing legitimate military objectives against a designated terrorist organization.
The international community’s criticism appears to ignore Hamas’s responsibility for placing military assets within civilian areas and using Gaza’s population as human shields.
Israel’s approach of providing advance warning exceeds legal requirements and reflects genuine concern for civilian welfare despite operational disadvantages.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza City residents face impossible choices as many lack resources to relocate or fear unsafe conditions in overcrowded displacement areas.
The humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi already struggles with severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and adequate shelter.
Many residents remain in Gaza City despite the evacuation order, citing practical impossibilities of safe passage or sustainable living conditions elsewhere.
The civilian population bears the tragic consequences of Hamas’s decision to embed military operations within urban areas and reject previous ceasefire opportunities.
While Israel must account for civilian welfare, the responsibility for Gaza residents’ suffering ultimately rests with the Hamas leadership that prioritizes military objectives over civilian safety.
The evacuation order, however imperfect, provides civilians opportunities to escape combat zones that Hamas’s tactics have created.
Sources:
ABC News – Israeli military issues full evacuation order for Gaza City
NewsOnAir – Israeli military orders immediate evacuation of Gaza City ahead of major operation
MPR News – Israeli military urges full evacuation of Gaza City
