In brief
The Israeli military has declared that the evacuation of Gaza City is 'inevitable' as it prepares for further military operations. Families moving to southern Gaza are promised humanitarian aid, but ongoing conflicts indicate escalating violence and significant humanitarian issues in the region. The evacuation order comes amid international scrutiny and pressures following a significant rise in casualties and humanitarian crises.
The Israeli military has told Palestinians that the evacuation of Gaza City is inevitable, as its forces prepare to conquer it.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the military's Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee said families relocating to the south would receive the most generous humanitarian aid.
Israeli tanks pushed into a new area of Gaza City overnight, forcing more residents to flee, witnesses said. Thousands have already moved because of recent Israeli advances - mostly to other parts of the city, where about a million Palestinians still live.
The evacuation call comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to chair a meeting on a post-war vision for Gaza at the White House.
In early August, Israel announced plans to occupy the whole Gaza Strip - including Gaza City, which it described as Hamas's last stronghold.
The UN and non-governmental organisations have warned that an Israeli offensive in Gaza City would have a horrific humanitarian impact.
Late on Tuesday, tanks entered the Ibad al-Rahman district, in the city's northern outskirts, destroying several homes, Reuters news agency reported.
On Wednesday, the tanks reportedly retreated to Jabalia, an area further north where they have been operating. Bombardment also continued in Gaza City's Shejaiya, Zeitoun and Sabra districts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release deal broke down last month.
But Netanyahu is facing both international and domestic pressure, with protests erupting in Tel Aviv demanding a ceasefire to bring home hostages held by Hamas.
In Washington, US special envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that the White House is crafting a comprehensive post-war plan for Gaza, expected to be discussed in meetings at the White House.
As the military campaign escalates, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting nearly 62,900 deaths in Gaza since the start of the conflict.
