Israel orders evacuation of Gaza City areas

The Israeli army has issued evacuation orders for multiple areas in Gaza City, including Zeitoun and Tel al-Hawa, as part of an intensified military campaign against Hamas. Residents in these districts have been instructed to move toward southern Gaza, with the military warning of imminent operations in response to recent rocket fire from the region.

This escalation follows Israel’s decision last week to end a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, marked by a wave of airstrikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians. The ceasefire had been in place since January but was broken when Israel launched what it called a surprise offensive.

Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to applying military pressure until Hamas frees the remaining 59 hostages believed to be in captivity — 24 of whom are thought to still be alive. In addition to the hostages’ release, Israel is demanding that Hamas surrender its weapons and that its leaders leave Gaza entirely.

Hamas, in response, insists that it will not release the hostages unless Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and a full military withdrawal from the territory. The standoff continues to fuel uncertainty as both sides maintain hardline positions, and civilians in Gaza face increasing displacement and hardship amid the renewed conflict.