Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza carry their belongings along the coastal road toward southern Gaza, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders from Gaza City.
Israel has called for the full evacuation of Gaza City, warning residents ahead of an intensified ground offensive aimed at dismantling what it describes as Hamas’ last stronghold. The evacuation order has triggered a mass exodus, though many families remain trapped with no means to escape.
Israel Issues First Full Evacuation Alert
For the first time, Israel’s military urged the entire population of Gaza City to leave. Until now, only specific neighborhoods faced evacuation warnings. Associated Press reporters observed long lines of vehicles leaving the city, loaded with mattresses, blankets, and household goods. Families balanced possessions atop trucks and wagons, with children clinging to the sides.
Humanitarian groups reported that the number of people fleeing nearly doubled compared to recent weeks. Yet many residents remain stranded due to soaring costs of transportation and lack of housing options.
Families Struggle Without Shelter
Displaced Palestinians shared harrowing experiences. Hazem Abu Reyash said he and his wife were forced to sleep on the street without water, food, or tents. Another resident, Mohammad Ashraf, lamented paying 800 shekels for transport only to find no safe shelter.
According to the United Nations, around one million Palestinians — nearly half of Gaza’s population — live in northern Gaza. Many have already been displaced multiple times and remain uncertain whether moving south offers safety.
Israel Destroys High-Rises in Gaza
Israel’s military confirmed demolishing 50 high-rise buildings in Gaza City within two days, accusing Hamas of using them as military hubs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the demolitions “the beginning of a larger ground operation.”
Rescue workers retrieved survivors and bodies from the rubble, while others remained trapped. The UN refugee agency said many families were left homeless, with no access to food or basic necessities.
Israel urged civilians to move to designated humanitarian zones in southern Gaza, promising assistance. However, aid groups warned the infrastructure in these areas is insufficient to handle the influx.
Palestinians and Medical Staff Resist Evacuation
Not all residents are leaving. In Gaza City, groups of Palestinians — including medical workers — protested the evacuation orders. “We will never leave our land,” said Dr. Muneer al-Boursh from Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Dr. Rami Mhanna of Shifa Hospital said the facility remains open, but staff face immense psychological strain.
In Jerusalem, families of Israeli hostages urged the government to halt its assault. Former captives argued that negotiations, not military action, remain the best path to securing hostages’ release.
UN Highlights Costly Evacuations
The United Nations humanitarian agency reported that evacuating to southern Gaza can cost over $1,000, making it impossible for many families. Meanwhile, more than 86,000 tents and other relief supplies are still awaiting clearance to enter Gaza.
Israel said it allowed 1,500 aid trucks into the enclave last week and plans to bring in 100,000 tents.
Rising Death Toll and Widespread Displacement
The war began after Hamas abducted 251 people during its October 7 attack, killing 1,200, mostly Israeli civilians. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive.
In response, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Roughly half of the victims are women and children. The majority of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, with large parts of the territory reduced to rubble.
Violence Spreads to the West Bank
Tensions also flared in the West Bank. Two 14-year-old Palestinian boys were killed in Jenin after Israeli soldiers opened fire, claiming they felt threatened. Locals disputed the account, accusing soldiers of shooting indiscriminately.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities investigated a deadly attack in Jerusalem where two Palestinians opened fire at a bus stop, killing six. Although Hamas claimed responsibility, Israel’s security service said the attackers had no prior militant ties.
In response, Defense Minister Israel Katz imposed sanctions on the attackers’ families and revoked hundreds of work permits.
