Israel Urges Gaza City Residents to Shift South as Strikes Hit High-Rises

Israel's military on Saturday ordered residents of famine-stricken Gaza City to evacuate to a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza's Muwasi area, as it prepares to intensify operations, including strikes on high-rise buildings suspected of housing Hamas infrastructure.

The army declared Gaza City a "combat zone" and Hamas stronghold, urging nearly 1 million people to move south via a specified road, promising no vehicle searches. The expanded Muwasi zone, including areas near Nasser Hospital, will feature field hospitals, water, food, and tents in coordination with the UN—though UN spokesperson Olga Cherevko clarified the designation is unilateral and not endorsed by humanitarian groups. Israel has previously struck such "safe zones", including Muwasi, per Gaza's Health Ministry.

Aid organisations warn the evacuation could worsen the crisis, with repeated displacements leaving many Palestinians too weak to move. A resident, Um Haitham, questioned the feasibility for families with children, the elderly, or the injured. Israel struck a Gaza City high-rise Friday, claiming Hamas surveillance use, and warned of more targets Saturday.

Also Read: Houthi Rebels Attack Ship in Red Sea Amid Missile Strikes on Israel

Amid protests in Israel over hostage risks, families of 48 captives (20 believed alive) appealed to US President Donald Trump for help in ceasefire talks, praising his "unwavering determination". Hamas released a video of two hostages in Gaza City.

A lasting truce remains elusive; Hamas accepted an Arab-mediated proposal last month, but Israel vows to continue until hostages are freed and Hamas disarmed, retaining security control. The war, sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack killing 1,200 and abducting 251 (most released), has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, per Gaza's Health Ministry, amid ongoing famine and displacement.

Also Read: Satellite Images Show Expansion at Israel’s Nuclear Research Centre