Israel plans Gaza City evacuation

Israel prepares for the displacement of Gaza City residents as a major offensive looms.

Israel signals Gaza City evacuation as troops move in

The Israeli military says medics and international organisations should prepare for the evacuation of Gaza City's roughly one million residents ahead of a planned attack to seize the city. Officials say hospitals in the southern part of Gaza will be adjusted to receive patients and that field hospitals or other facilities could be used to handle a surge in casualties. Gaza's health ministry, run by Hamas, rejected any step that would undermine the health system, warning it would deprive patients of medical care and endanger lives.

The United Nations notes that 18 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional, with most of them located in Gaza City and nearby governance areas. The UN and aid groups warned that an Israeli offensive on Gaza City would have a horrific humanitarian impact and said southern hospitals are already operating near capacity. Palestinians report heavy bombardment in eastern areas as the military moves from planning to action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting security officials to approve takeover plans and has indicated the objective to control the entire Gaza Strip. In Gaza City, authorities warned that many could be displaced, while some residents say they plan to stay and resist relocation. Officials said the evacuation plan would move people to shelters in the south as troops advance, and that an initial wave of warnings has been issued to medical staff and international organisations about where to send patients.

The plan to evacuate Gaza City lays bare a core tension in modern warfare: pursuing military aims while trying to protect civilians. Moving a million residents into the south would stretch already strained health facilities and could complicate relief operations. The clash between security objectives and civilian protection raises questions about humanitarian law, safe passage, and accountability if access to care is disrupted. The development also intersects with hostage negotiations and broader regional diplomacy, potentially shaping how other wars and ceasefire talks unfold. The coming days will test whether emergency arrangements can hold under pressure and whether aid groups can operate effectively amid heavy fighting.

Highlights

The balance between military aims and civilian protection will shape the conflict’s next chapter.