Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Gaza City, Prompting Mass Evacuations
Israeli forces have escalated airstrikes on Gaza City, leading to significant civilian displacement and international concern over the humanitarian impact.
Israeli forces have intensified their airstrikes on Gaza City, resulting in widespread destruction and a surge in civilian displacement. Entire apartment blocks and large concrete structures have been reduced to rubble as the offensive escalates.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued warnings to all residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately, anticipating a major ground offensive. According to the IDF, approximately 250,000 people have already moved southward. The military reported the destruction of a high-rise building allegedly used "to advance and execute terrorist attacks" against Israeli troops.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Gaza City as Hamas's last major stronghold. However, the plan to occupy the city has drawn international criticism. The United Nations has cautioned that intensifying the offensive in an area already facing famine could lead civilians into an "even deeper catastrophe."
Residents report that the Israeli military has targeted schools and makeshift shelters, often providing warnings only moments before bombardments. Many families have been forced to flee under the cover of darkness toward western Gaza. Saly Tafeesh, a mother sheltering in the city, recounted, "We escaped certain death, my husband, our three children and I. My brother died in my arms after being shot by a quadcopter drone. We ran in the dark to the west of Gaza."
The Israeli military has advised residents to evacuate to the south of the territory. However, many families report being unable to afford the journey, which can cost up to $1,100 (£800). Meanwhile, Hamas has intensified its calls for residents to remain in the city and resist evacuation. Rubein Khaled, a father-of-nine preparing to move south, expressed frustration: "The Hamas preacher at Friday prayers accused anyone leaving Gaza City of being a coward running from the battlefield. But why doesn't he tell Hamas leaders to surrender and release the Israeli hostages so this war can stop? We don't want to leave either, but we have no choice."
Israeli forces have not yet reached some eastern neighborhoods that have remained largely intact since earlier raids in January. However, the current campaign suggests a potential move to dismantle entire districts.
In a related development, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesman criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu following an Israeli strike on Hamas officials in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari stated that the international community had "to deal with a Netanyahu problem," adding, "He is not somebody who is listening to anybody right now, who is listening to any reason, and we have to collectively stop him in his tracks."
The strike in Doha resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Hamas claimed no senior leaders were killed. The officials were in Doha to discuss the latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has faced widespread condemnation, including at the UN Security Council. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel targeted the "terrorist masterminds" behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani indicated that Qatar did not receive advance warning of the strike, only being informed by a U.S. official 10 minutes after the attack commenced. Al-Thani later met with U.S. President Donald Trump and other officials in New York, ahead of a UN meeting where France and the UK are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
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