Israeli army urges Gaza residents to evacuate combat zones

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has once again addressed residents of Gaza in Arabic, urging immediate evacuation from areas of active combat.

"Residents of Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces have begun destroying Hamas infrastructure in Gaza City. Gaza City is considered a combat zone, and remaining in this area puts you at risk. Move as quickly as possible along Al-Rashid Street to the designated areas south of the Gaza Valley, by car or on foot. Join the more than 40% of the city’s population who have left to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones," Caliber.Az quotes the IDF press service as saying in an X post.

#عاجل ‼️ سكان غزة، بدأ جيش الدفاع تدمير بنى حماس التحتية في مدينة غزة.
⭕️تعتبر مدينة غزة منطقة قتال خطيرة فالبقاء في المنطقة يعرضكم للخطر.
⭕️انتقلوا في أسرع وقت ممكن عبر شارع الرشيد الى المناطق التي تم عرضها جنوب وادي غزة من خلال المركبات أو سيرًا على الأقدام
⭕️انضموا إلى أكثر… pic.twitter.com/pqMJo5AC6x

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) September 16, 2025

The IDF's evacuation directive is part of "Operation Gideon's Chariots II," a major ground offensive launched on September 15, 2025, aimed at dismantling Hamas's remaining strongholds in Gaza City—the largest urban center in the Strip and home to roughly half of Gaza's 2.1 million residents.

The operation was approved by Israel's security cabinet on August 8, following the breakdown of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas in July 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described it as essential to "defeat Hamas" and secure the release of 48 remaining hostages (with about 20 believed alive), but it has drawn fierce domestic and international criticism for endangering civilians.

By Khagan Isayev