Israel orders mass evacuation as Gaza City faces imminent military action

On September 9, 2025, Israel's military issued a critical evacuation order to nearly one million residents of Gaza City, urging them to move southward in anticipation of an imminent military incursion. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized the danger of remaining in the city due to a planned operation to eliminate Hamas, which the military described as a move involving great force. Residents were specifically instructed to head towards the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi, where assurances were given for food and medical support upon arrival. However, the United Nations raised alarms regarding the feasibility of safety in the designated areas, indicating that previous bombardments had affected so-called safe zones, leaving many people skeptical about the promised safety. Ajith Sunghay, head of the U.N. Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories, painted a grim picture of the situation, highlighting the catastrophic consequences that the Israeli military action would likely have on civilian infrastructure critical for survival. In the days leading up to the evacuation order, Israel had intensified its military operations within Gaza City, targeting multiple high-rise buildings allegedly used by Hamas as operational bases. Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly stated intentions to raze areas of Gaza, emphasizing the military's commitment to obliterating alleged terror infrastructure. This escalated military strategy has left many civilians in a state of despair, as they face the grim reality of displacement and potential loss of homes without sufficient guarantees of safety in the southern regions. Many residents are conflicted about the evacuation, knowing that moving south may entail a permanent relocation away from their homes, with significant numbers opting to remain in the city despite the imminent threat. The overall situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as civilian casualties mount and infrastructure is methodically dismantled, indicating that this military action could lead to unprecedented humanitarian challenges.