Israeli Military Orders Mass Evacuation in Gaza City Amid Intensified Assault

Israeli military operations in Gaza City have intensified, with forces urging Palestinians to evacuate to southern areas such as Khan Younis, amid ongoing efforts to capture the city as ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have distributed leaflets instructing residents in neighborhoods like Sheikh Radwan to move southward ahead of targeted strikes on multi-story buildings, signaling an escalation in military activity. Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that operations will continue to intensify unless Hamas meets conditions including the release of hostages and disarmament. Despite repeated displacement orders, many residents, including vulnerable populations sheltered in Christian compounds, refuse to leave, citing the dangers of displacement and lack of safe refuge. The conflict has resulted in heavy casualties and widespread devastation, with over 63,000 Palestinians reportedly killed and the territory facing famine and humanitarian crisis. International bodies have accused Israel of war crimes and genocide amid the prolonged war that has also left Israel diplomatically isolated.