— The Israeli military on Saturday urged Palestinians in Gaza City to relocate south to a designated coastal area near Khan Younis as its forces press deeper into the enclave’s largest urban centre, raising the prospect of large-scale displacement amid heavy strikes.
Key Takeaways
- On Sept. 6, Israeli forces called on Gaza City residents to move south toward Khan Younis.
- The military says it has advanced into northern suburbs and controls nearly half of Gaza City and about 75% of Gaza overall.
- Designated southern coastal zones were described as “humanitarian” areas where food, medical care and shelter would be provided.
- Hundreds of thousands could be displaced; before the war roughly 1 million people lived in Gaza City.
- The order follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive to capture Gaza City despite military reservations.
- More than 64,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza by local health authorities since the conflict began.
- Hostage and ceasefire negotiations continue to shape political pressure on military operations.
Verified Facts
Israeli forces intensified operations around Gaza City after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to seize the northern enclave’s main urban centre. The military reported advances through outer suburbs and said forces were within a few kilometres of the city centre.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X that residents should leave Gaza City for a designated coastal area near Khan Younis in southern Gaza, describing the location as a humanitarian zone where food, medical care and shelter would be available to those who relocate.
The Israeli military stated on Thursday that it controlled almost half of Gaza City and claimed it controls about 75% of the territory of Gaza. The military has mobilised tens of thousands of reservists to support the operation.
Local Gaza health authorities report that more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. The October 2023 cross-border assault by Palestinian militants took 251 hostages and killed about 1,200 people in Israel, according to Israeli counts.
Context & Impact
Gaza City is one of the enclave’s most densely populated areas; before the war roughly 1 million people—nearly half of Gaza’s pre-war population—lived there. An evacuation order risks displacing hundreds of thousands who had already been uprooted during earlier phases of the conflict.
The push to capture the city is politically sensitive. Netanyahu and right-wing coalition partners argue the operation is necessary to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities, while some senior military figures had advised caution. The operation has strained Israel’s diplomatic standing with several allies concerned about civilian harm.
Humanitarian agencies warn that moving large numbers of people within a narrow, besieged territory will complicate delivery of aid, increase shelter shortages and heighten public health risks, particularly for the sick and injured.
Potential consequences
- Large-scale displacement into southern Gaza camps or facilities.
- Increased demand for medical evacuation and trauma care.
- Greater logistical challenges for aid agencies operating under security constraints.
Official Statements
The military urged civilians to relocate to the designated coastal area, saying assistance would be provided to those who move.
Avichay Adraee, Israeli military spokesperson (post on X)
Operations will continue until Hamas accepts conditions for ending the war, including hostage release and disarmament, or is otherwise neutralized.
Israel Katz, Defence Minister (public remarks)
Unconfirmed
- The military’s claim that it controls 75% of Gaza is a central operational figure but has not been independently verified by neutral monitors.
- Israeli officials say about 20 hostages are believed to still be alive; that figure has not been publicly confirmed by independent sources.
Bottom Line
The order for Gaza City residents to move south marks a significant escalation in an operation driven by political and military aims to seize the enclave’s largest city. The immediate humanitarian challenge is large-scale movement of civilians into already-strained southern areas, with implications for aid delivery and regional diplomacy.