The Israeli Defence Forces have issued a stark warning to all civilians remaining in Gaza City, officially declaring the entire area an 'extremely dangerous combat zone' as military operations intensify across the northern region.
In a urgent statement released on Tuesday, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, delivered a chilling ultimatum to residents: 'You must immediately evacuate all areas of Gaza City to the humanitarian zone in the south through the designated safe routes.'
The military warning specifically identified several neighbourhoods facing imminent danger, including Sabra, Rimal, Tal al-Hawa, and Daraj. This declaration comes as Israeli tanks and ground forces continue to push deeper into urban areas, engaging in fierce street-by-street combat with Hamas militants.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Medical facilities in the city are reporting catastrophic conditions, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and critical shortages of supplies. The already dire humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as the fighting prevents aid organizations from reaching those trapped in the conflict zones.
Witnesses describe scenes of chaos and destruction as families attempt to flee amidst ongoing shelling and gunfire. The number of casualties continues to rise dramatically, though exact figures remain difficult to verify due to the intensity of the fighting.
International Response
The escalation has drawn renewed concern from international bodies and foreign governments, with calls for restraint and protection of civilian lives. However, diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire have so far yielded limited results as both sides remain committed to their military objectives.
This latest development marks a significant intensification of the ground offensive that began following the October 7 attacks, with no clear timeline for when operations might conclude or when displaced residents might be able to return to their homes.
