Gaza, Jerusalem and London – Israel issued an order on Tuesday that asked the residents of the city of Gaza to evacuate, saying that the Israeli army will operate “with great force” within the city.
“Staying in the city is extremely dangerous,” said Avichay Adraee, spokesman for Israel’s defense forces, on social networks.
The displaced Palestinians fleeing from northern Gaza carry their belongings along the coastal road to southern Gaza, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders of the city of Gaza.
JEHAD ALSHRAFI/AP
The order and warnings followed the approval of the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from a plan to seize the city of Gaza, the largest city in the cursed enclave. Israel began land operations within the city approximately one week ago.
Israeli officials said that the planned seizure is part of their military objective to eliminate Hamas, the terrorist organization that has been fighting in Gaza since October 2023.
People observe how brochures fell through the Israeli army, urging the south evacuation to Al-Mawasi, land in the city of Gaza on September 9, 2025.
Omar al-Qattaa/AFP through Getty Images
Despite the serious situation and evacuation warnings, there is still a significant number of residents that remain in the city that have cited different reasons to stay, not even being able to pay evacuation and transport costs.
Others told ABC News that had been housed because they have heard that there is a serious shortage of space for stores in the humanitarian area, or do not know if they would be safe after an evacuation.
Adraee said that residents of the city of Gaza and “all its neighbors” should be evacuated immediately. They must travel south to Al-Mawasi, a coastal area that has been designated as a humanitarian area, he said.
The evacuation order followed a warning issued Monday by Netanyahu. In a video message posted on Telegram, he spoke directly with the city’s residents.
“Listen carefully: they have warned you,” said Netanyahu. “Go now.”
