IDF Orders Immediate Evacuation of All of Gaza City
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday issued an unprecedented order for civilians to evacuate all of Gaza City, as the defense minister warned the territory would be “razed” if Hamas does not surrender.
Col. Avichay Adraee, the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, announced the evacuation on social media, directing residents to move south along the coastal road toward a designated humanitarian zone. “Remaining in the area is extremely dangerous,” he cautioned, adding that Palestinians could call a hotline to report Hamas attempts to block their departure.
The directive marks the first time Israel has demanded a blanket evacuation of the entire city. Earlier warnings in recent days had targeted only specific buildings or neighborhoods.
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Defense Minister Israel Katz said the assault on Gaza City would intensify if Hamas refuses to disarm and release hostages who have been held for nearly two years. “If Hamas terrorists do not lay down their arms and free all the hostages, they will be destroyed and Gaza will be razed,” Katz declared.
He boasted that “an unprecedented hurricane hit Gaza yesterday,” claiming 30 multi-story structures tied to Hamas operations were demolished. A video he shared showed the al-Ruya tower in Gaza City’s Rimal district collapsing after being struck. Katz had earlier pledged that “a powerful hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City.”
Palestinian officials reported that several high-rises were targeted Monday. The Hamas-run Civil Defense Agency said five towers, ranging from 10 to 15 stories, were destroyed over the past three days, displacing about 4,100 residents and damaging hundreds of tents sheltering thousands more.
The IDF confirmed only two buildings hit on Monday but maintained that all strikes were against Hamas facilities, including command and surveillance sites. Military officials said residents were given advance notice to evacuate before the attacks.
