TEL AVIV — The Israeli military on Saturday urged residents of Gaza City to evacuate southward as its forces pushed deeper into the enclave’s largest urban center. Troops have been advancing through northern suburbs for weeks under orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insists the city is a Hamas stronghold that must be captured.
The offensive threatens to uproot hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still sheltering in Gaza City. Before the war, the city held nearly one million residents—almost half of Gaza’s population. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on X that civilians should move to a designated coastal “humanitarian zone” in Khan Younis, where food, shelter, and medical care are promised.
Israeli officials say forces now control nearly half of Gaza City and about 75% of the enclave overall. Heavy strikes have hit the city for weeks, with troops now within a few kilometers of the center. Despite initial resistance from military leaders, Netanyahu ordered the full capture of the city and called up tens of thousands of reservists to carry out the operation.
Meanwhile, Israel faces mounting diplomatic isolation as global criticism of the campaign grows. Palestinian health authorities report more than 64,000 deaths since October 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Families of hostages still held in Gaza are pressing for a diplomatic solution to secure the release of the remaining 48 captives, though only 20 are believed to be alive.
Negotiations remain stalled. Netanyahu insists on an “all-or-nothing” deal that would free all hostages and force Hamas to surrender. Hamas, weakened but still active, has offered partial releases in exchange for temporary ceasefires. U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was engaged in “very deep” talks, while Israeli officials vowed military operations would continue until Hamas either disarms or is destroyed.