IDF: Over 250,000 evacuate Gaza City ahead of upcoming operation

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have again urged residents of Gaza City to evacuate, stating that according to military estimates, more than 250,000 people have already left the city in recent days.

“According to IDF estimates, more than 250,000 people have left Gaza City in recent days. Use the Al-Rashid road and move to the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi, to open areas in the central camps, where you can receive much better humanitarian assistance,” IDF spokesman Avichai Adraee was quoted as saying by Israeli media.

Adraee also appealed to civilians to report to the IDF any obstacles that Hamas might attempt to create during the evacuation.

The renewed evacuation call comes after the IDF announced on September 10 that around 150,000 people had already left the city. Prior to that, the army had ordered the immediate evacuation of Gaza City’s entire population in preparation for its offensive against Hamas.

According to UN estimates, around 1 million Palestinians may still remain in Gaza City. International organisations continue to describe the humanitarian situation in the city and across the enclave as catastrophic.

Israel is preparing to launch an operation aimed at establishing full control over Gaza City. Reservists have been mobilised, and on August 8, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the plans had been approved. These measures have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.

The current escalation stems from the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which prompted the Israeli army to launch a military operation in the Gaza Strip. At present, Israeli forces are reported to control at least 75% of the territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova