Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
At least 250,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent days amid a sharp escalation in Israeli military operations targeting the densely populated urban center, according to both Palestinian and Israeli sources.
Palestinian medical officials reported on Saturday that at least 39 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza City and surrounding areas since the early hours of the morning. The mounting death toll comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign, with airstrikes and ground incursions focusing heavily on areas believed to harbor Hamas forces.
Maha Bseiso, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense under the administration of Hamas confirmed that the offensive has expanded significantly in recent days, particularly in the city itself.
In early August, Israel announced plans to take full control of Gaza City, stating that Hamas operatives continue to function from the area. Once home to nearly one million residents, the city had become a refuge for many fleeing violence elsewhere in the besieged coastal enclave.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that military estimates indicate over a quarter million people have now evacuated Gaza City. He urged civilians to use designated evacuation routes, including al-Rasheed Street, and relocate to the so-called “humanitarian zone” in al-Mawasi or central Gaza camps, where, he claimed, aid and medical services are more accessible.
“The IDF is determined to defeat Hamas in Gaza City and is therefore intensifying the pace of its operations,” Adraee said. “Hamas is spreading lies and trying to block your escape routes. For your safety, evacuate to the zones we’ve designated and report any Hamas checkpoints using the number 0529625830.”
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Gaza City residents to evacuate, describing the assault as the beginning of a wider ground operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure in the area.
The renewed offensive comes amid dire warnings from humanitarian organizations about rapidly worsening conditions in Gaza. Severe food shortages have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 411 people due to hunger, including 142 children, according to local medical sources.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens and displacement surges, international aid agencies are warning of the collapse of basic services and urging for immediate access to food, water, and medical assistance for civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
