The Israeli military has warned it will use “unprecedented force” in Gaza City, urging residents to flee south. The announcement came as Israel closed Salah al-Din Road, the main north-south highway, which had been opened temporarily for evacuations.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X that the only available route south is now Al-Rashid Street. He urged people to join “hundreds of thousands” who have already moved to the so-called humanitarian area.
The offensive on Gaza City began Tuesday with heavy airstrikes and ground operations. Israel says the operation targets Hamas and other militant groups. But the United Nations has accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, citing incitement from top leaders. Israel rejected the report, calling it “false and distorted.”
The war, now in its second year, has devastated Gaza. The UN estimates one million people still live in and around Gaza City. Many residents say they cannot afford to evacuate. Families describe relentless bombing, destroyed homes, and fear for their children’s safety.
The conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people. Israel’s response has since killed more than 65,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to UN-verified figures.
