JERUSALEM – The Israeli military announced Saturday that more than 250 000 people have fled Gaza City since intensifying military operations in the area, though Palestinian officials dispute the figure and report significant obstacles preventing southward evacuation.
The exodus represents a quarter of the estimated one million Palestinians who lived in and around Gaza’s largest urban center before the latest escalation, according to United Nations estimates from late August. The UN has warned that famine conditions are unfolding in the area after months of deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
Arabic-language Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on social media platform X that “more than a quarter of a million residents of Gaza City have moved out of the city for their own safety.”
However, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported a dramatically lower figure, saying fewer than 70,000 people had successfully evacuated. Media restrictions and limited access to affected areas make independent verification of either claim impossible.
“The actual number of displaced people from Gaza to the south is approximately 68,000 only,” civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. “Many residents are still holding their ground, and many others cannot find space in the south.”
Overcrowding hampers evacuation efforts
Mohammad Abu Salmiya, head of the Al-Shifa medical complex, reported that while displacement continues within Gaza City, “only a small number of people have been able to reach the south.”
He cited severe overcrowding in designated safe areas, noting that “the Al-Mawasi area is completely full and Deir al-Balah is also overcrowded.” Many evacuees have returned to Gaza City after failing to secure shelter or basic services in the south.
The Israeli military distributed leaflets Saturday urging residents in western districts to evacuate immediately. “The Israeli army is operating with very intense force in your area and is determined to dismantle and defeat Hamas,” the warnings read. “You have been warned.”
Bakri Diab, a 35-year-old father of four who fled western Gaza City, questioned the safety of designated evacuation zones.
“Bombing happens here too – the south isn’t safe either,” he said. “All the occupation has done is force people to crowd into places with no basic services and no safety.”
Military operations continue
Israel maintains its offensive aims to dismantle what it describes as one of Hamas’s last strongholds. In recent weeks, the military has targeted high-rise buildings, claiming they house Hamas militants.
On Saturday, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the destruction of another tall building. “The hurricane continues to strike Gaza. The terror tower Burj al-Nur has been destroyed, and Gaza residents are required to move south,” he posted on X.
According to the civil defense agency, Israeli strikes killed at least 25 people since dawn Saturday.
International pressure mounts
The United Nations and international community members have urged Israel to abandon plans to capture Gaza City, warning that the assault and resulting displacement could worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.
Despite mounting international pressure, Israeli officials say they remain determined to continue operations until their military objectives are achieved.
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