The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order covering the entirety of Gaza City for the first time since the start of the current conflict, as it prepares to occupy the city. The order, announced on Tuesday, leaves the fate of approximately one million residents in limbo, forcing them to choose between displacement or remaining amid intensifying bombardment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged residents to leave, describing Gaza City as Hamas's last stronghold. However, only about 50,000 people have heeded the call to move to al-Mawasi, a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza. Aid groups have warned that al-Mawasi lacks the capacity to absorb a renewed wave of displacement, and residents remain sceptical after the area was bombed last week.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with famine gripping Gaza City. Six more Palestinians died from hunger on Tuesday, bringing the total number of starvation deaths to 399. The United Nations has noted that relocating to southern Gaza can cost over $1,000, an unaffordable sum for most residents. Some, like 55-year-old Um Mohammad, felt compelled to flee despite the risks.
International criticism of Israel's planned offensive has grown. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called on Israel to “change course” during a visit to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the recent bombing of 50 “terror towers” as “only the introduction,” vowing a “mighty hurricane” if Hamas does not release hostages and surrender.
On the diplomatic front, Hamas is reportedly considering a new US-proposed ceasefire, which Israel has accepted, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. However, Israel insists on the complete disarmament of Hamas and the return of all remaining hostages, while Hamas demands an independent Palestinian state before laying down arms. More than 64,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive over the past 23 months, following the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023 that killed about 1,200 and took 251 hostages.
