Israel ordered the total evacuation of Gaza City on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, escalating its military offensive against Hamas in the largest city of the Gaza Strip. The decision, announced by the Israeli Army through social media messages and leaflets dropped by planes, sparked panic among the roughly 1 million residents, who face the choice of fleeing south or staying amid bombings. Benjamin Netanyahu’s government justified the action as part of a plan to neutralize Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the conflict. The order disregards international calls for a ceasefire, while the population faces dire humanitarian conditions, including the risk of famine. The movement of displaced people is already visible, with families carrying belongings toward the Al-Mawasi area, designated as a humanitarian zone.
This decision marks the first time Israel has issued a full evacuation order for Gaza City since the start of the takeover plan in August 2025. Until now, only partial evacuation orders had been directed at specific neighborhoods. The current offensive, named Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, aims to seize full control of the city, which the Army claims is a Hamas stronghold.
- Military objective: Israel seeks to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and free hostages.
- Immediate impact: Increased civilian displacement and risk of humanitarian crisis.
- Context: The war, started in October 2023, has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, per Gaza’s Health Ministry.
- International reaction: Ceasefire calls from Egypt and the U.S. have been ignored by Israel.
Military advance and its consequences
The Israeli Army already controls about 40% of Gaza City, according to its own statements, with operations including airstrikes and ground incursions. Last week, the destruction of the Al Ruya tower, one of the tallest buildings in the region, symbolized the intensity of the attacks. Israel claims the structure housed “terrorist infrastructure,” while residents denounce the indiscriminate destruction of residential buildings. The offensive resulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in an explosive attack on a tank on Monday, September 8, increasing pressure for a stronger military response.
The ordered evacuation aims to clear the way for a new phase of operations, with the Army promising to act “with great force.” Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee directed the population to head south via the Al Rashid axis to Al-Mawasi. However, the designated humanitarian zone faces overcrowding and shortages of resources like water, food, and shelter, according to aid organizations.
- Military targets: Israel focuses on neutralizing Hamas tunnels and bases.
- Humanitarian risk: Al-Mawasi lacks infrastructure to accommodate more displaced people.
- Confirmed deaths: About 399 people have died of starvation in Gaza, per NGOs.
- Recent escalation: Bombings destroyed at least two residential buildings in recent days.
Reactions from the population and Hamas
The evacuation order triggered scenes of desperation in Gaza City. Families were seen carrying belongings in cars, carts, or on foot as they tried to escape the fighting. A resident named Mohammad, 55, said he decided to leave the city with his daughter after initially resisting, fearing for his family’s safety. Hospitals like Al Shifa and Al Ali announced evacuation plans, but doctors say they will not abandon patients, even under risk.
Hamas condemned the action as “forced displacement” and a violation of international law. The group, which controls parts of Gaza, insists it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established. In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of using bombings and threats to force civilians out, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The group also noted that the war, sparked by its 2023 attack, has killed over 64,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Ceasefire efforts
The international community has intensified efforts to mediate a ceasefire, but negotiations remain stalled. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have proposed suspending hostilities in exchange for hostage releases—about 48 hostages remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive, according to Israel. A new U.S. proposal, presented on Monday, September 8, was well-received by Hamas, but Israel has not yet responded officially.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that the offensive is necessary to defeat Hamas, despite criticism from Western allies and humanitarian agencies. Countries like France and the UK have called for a halt to the attacks, warning of the devastating impact on civilians. The UN estimates that 2.2 million people in Gaza face the risk of famine, with the city’s infrastructure severely damaged.
- U.S. proposal: Exchange of hostages for 2,000 to 3,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Hamas stance: Partial acceptance but demands guarantees of sovereignty.
- International criticism: Israel’s actions are seen as disproportionate by NGOs.
- Al-Mawasi: The humanitarian zone lacks basic infrastructure.
Growing humanitarian impact
The situation in Gaza is described as catastrophic by aid organizations. The mass evacuation is overwhelming areas like Al-Mawasi, where makeshift tents house thousands of displaced people. The lack of food, clean water, and medicine increases the risk of disease and malnutrition. Reports indicate at least 65 people were killed in recent attacks on schools and shelters, worsening the crisis.
The destruction of infrastructure, such as the Al Ruya tower, also compromises access to essential services. Residents report difficulties finding safe shelter, while the Israeli Army intensifies bombings in densely populated areas. The war, which began after Hamas’s 2023 attack, has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.2 million inhabitants, many of whom have fled multiple times since the conflict started.
Political and strategic landscape
Israel’s decision to advance on Gaza City comes amid growing domestic and international pressure. Netanyahu faces criticism within Israel for prolonging the conflict, while global public opinion remains divided. The gradual occupation strategy, approved by the security cabinet in August, aims to establish military control over Gaza but faces resistance from Hamas and smaller armed groups.
The operation also raises questions about Gaza’s future. Israel plans to demilitarize the region but has not presented a clear plan for post-conflict governance. Meanwhile, the civilian population bears the immediate consequences, with reports of panic and uncertainty dominating Gaza City’s streets.
- Territorial control: Israel dominates 75% of the Gaza Strip, per the Army.
- Netanyahu’s strategy: Focus on eliminating Hamas as a military force.
- Local resistance: Hamas and other groups maintain guerrilla operations.
- Uncertain future: No clear plan for governance after occupation.
