Palestinians in Gaza City found themselves under fire following the release of an Israeli leaflet that warned them to evacuate, all part of Israel’s campaign to eliminate Hamas.
Prior to this conflict, many residents—about a million people in Gaza—had been anticipating a significant military action as the Israeli government prepared a strategy aimed directly at Hamas, which claims to be the last remaining stronghold of extremist factions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the residents, urging, “I advise you to listen carefully. You are warned—get out of there!”
The Israeli military had distributed leaflets warning of evacuation amidst ongoing bombardments that had already leveled residential towers over the past few days.
This evacuation notice sent many into a state of panic. Confusion spread as people questioned where they could go to escape the artillery fire and worsening humanitarian conditions. While some expressed a willingness to relocate south, many decided to remain, with no signs of a mass exodus immediately evident.
“Even with the recent shelling, I resisted leaving, but now I’m going with my daughter,” shared Mohammad, a 55-year-old mother of six, via text.
Health officials in Gaza announced their plans to evacuate two significant hospitals, Al Sifa and Al Ali, but emphasized that doctors would not abandon their patients during this crisis.
The Israeli military has indicated that many Gaza residents have been forced to flee multiple times since the war began in October 2023, triggered by an attack from Hamas militants that resulted in around 1,200 Israeli casualties and 251 hostages taken.
Israel’s military actions have reportedly caused over 64,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The vast majority of the population has become internally displaced, and conditions have deteriorated significantly with a worsening hunger crisis.
Israeli forces have instructed residents to move to a crowded designated area called “human belt” in Almawasi along the southern coast, where many have already taken refuge in tents. Yet, the south isn’t safe either, as Israeli bombardments continue.
Um Samed, a 59-year-old mother, voiced the grim reality: “The choice now is to stay in Gaza City and die, or leave Gaza and face death in the South as the Israelis ordered.”
‘Hurricane’
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that if Hamas surrenders and the last hostages are freed, it could lead to a “human hurricane” that would devastate Gaza.
Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists for ground operations. Netanyahu noted that Israeli forces are currently organized and positioned within Gaza City.
While full-scale operations are not anticipated in the coming week, no new tank advancements were reported as of Tuesday. Israeli troops have been engaging around the outskirts of Gaza since last month and claim to have secured control of about 40% of the city.
A new Israeli offensive could complicate ongoing ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long conflict. There were hopes that diplomatic mediation could provide an escape from imminent Israeli military actions.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health has appealed to the global community for protection of hospitals, warning of a potentially disastrous humanitarian crisis threatening the lives of many patients.
International Criticism
Several European states have condemned the bombings in Gaza, expressing their outrage this month at the UN General Assembly regarding Palestinian state recognition, which is scheduled to convene in New York. This move has been opposed by Israel and its primary allies.
Critics argue that Israel’s ongoing military strategy, which involves denouncing the entire region for security reasons, could further worsen the humanitarian situation for over 2.2 million Palestinians living there.
Israel is facing pressure from both Arab and Western nations concerning its actions during the conflict. The UN’s global hunger monitor has raised alarms about rising hunger levels in Gaza City.
Netanyahu maintains that Israel must see the mission through entirely to defeat Hamas, asserting that the militant group will not agree to disarm until a Palestinian state is established and will refuse to release hostages without a war-ending agreement.
Meanwhile, a fleet intended to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza reported that one of its vessels was struck by a drone while docked at a Tunisian port, though all passengers and crew are safe.
This fleet includes Swedish activist Greta Samberg, who had previously been captured and deported by Israel during an earlier attempt to reach Gaza.
