'Get out of there': Israel gives evacuation orders for Gaza City; residents fear 'no safe place to go'

Palestinians living in Gaza City were ordered to leave on Tuesday after Israel airdropped evacuation leaflets, warning of an imminent large-scale offensive to “obliterate” Hamas.

Leaflets scattered over the bombed-out neighbourhoods sparked panic and confusion. Many residents said they had nowhere safe to go, as Israel has bombed areas across the strip, including the designated “humanitarian zone” of Al-Mawasi in the south, reported Reuters.

"I say to the residents of Gaza, take this opportunity and listen to me carefully: you have been warned — get out of there!" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Hospitals to evacuate
Gaza’s health ministry said the city’s two main hospitals, Al Shifa and Al Ahli, would be evacuated, though doctors pledged not to abandon patients.

Israel says its military has already secured 40% of Gaza City and is assembling forces for a full-scale operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened a “mighty hurricane” if Hamas does not release remaining hostages and surrender.

Humanitarian toll
The war, now in its second year, began with Hamas-led militants attacking Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory assault has since killed over 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly the entire 2.2 million population has been displaced, with famine declared in parts of the strip.

Diplomatic fallout
Several European countries plan to recognise Palestinian statehood during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York. Arab and Western nations have condemned Israel’s military campaign, warning that seizing control of Gaza and demilitarising the territory would deepen the humanitarian crisis.