Israel Orders Gaza City Evacuation, Strikes Tower

The Israeli military has issued a new evacuation order for Gaza City residents. The directive warns civilians to move south to the Khan Younis area. This comes as forces advance deeper into the enclave’s largest urban center.

Officials confirmed the order was issued on Saturday. It precedes a major intensification of military operations in the northern city.

High-Rise Towers Targeted in Aerial Bombardment

Following the evacuation warning, Israeli forces bombed a major high-rise tower in Gaza City. The military stated the building was used by Hamas for intelligence gathering. They provided advance warnings to civilians in the area.

According to Reuters, a video showed the multi-story building collapsing completely. The strike sent a massive cloud of dust and debris into the air. Casualty figures from the incident remain unclear.

Hamas officials denied the tower was used for military purposes. They asserted it was solely sheltering displaced civilians. Gaza health authorities reported dozens of fatalities from strikes across the enclave on Saturday.

 

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens with Mass Displacement

The new offensive threatens to displace hundreds of thousands of people. Many had already sought refuge in Gaza City after fleeing other battle zones. The city was home to nearly half of Gaza’s population before the war.

The Israeli military designated a coastal area in Khan Younis as a humanitarian zone. They promised access to food, medical care, and shelter for those who evacuate. However, aid groups remain deeply concerned about the capacity to support a new wave of displacement.

This operation follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order to capture the city. He describes it as a critical Hamas stronghold necessary to secure. The campaign has drawn increasing international criticism and isolation for Israel.

The ongoing Gaza City evacuation order underscores the severe and escalating humanitarian cost of the conflict. The intense urban warfare continues to place civilians at extreme risk with no immediate diplomatic resolution in sight.

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Why is Israel telling people to leave Gaza City?

The Israeli military states the evacuation is for civilian safety ahead of major combat operations. They claim Hamas uses the urban area for military infrastructure and operations.

Where are people being told to go?

Residents are instructed to move to a designated coastal humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. The military assures aid is available there.

What was the reason for bombing the high-rise towers?

Israel says the towers were used by Hamas for intelligence and military purposes. They allege explosives were planted nearby. Hamas and residents deny this, saying the buildings housed displaced civilians.

How many people have been affected by the latest operations?

Gaza health authorities reported at least 40 fatalities across the enclave on Saturday. They estimate half of those deaths occurred within Gaza City itself from the heavy strikes.

What is the stated goal of the Israeli operation?

Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the capture of Gaza City. The goal is to defeat Hamas militants, whom he calls a persistent threat to Israeli security.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News, Gaza Health Ministry.