Thousands of Palestinians fled Gaza City on Tuesday as Israel launched a major offensive, forcing families to leave in vehicles packed with belongings. Heavy bombardments rocked the city as Israeli troops advanced from the outskirts following weeks of buildup. Hospitals reported at least 69 deaths from the latest wave of strikes.
Israel&rsquo;s Defence Minister declared that the campaign would not stop until Hamas was eliminated. Israeli officials estimate 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, using tunnel networks for operations. Nearly 1 million people lived in the city before the evacuation orders, but around 350,000 have now left, while the UN estimates over 220,000 have fled northern Gaza, including more than 70,000 in recent days. Reports also surfaced of trucks charging up to $1,000 to transport people to southern humanitarian zones.
Meanwhile, Japan announced it would not recognise a Palestinian state for now, likely to preserve ties with the US and avoid worsening relations with Israel. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is also expected to skip an upcoming UN meeting on the two-state solution.
The United Nations sharply criticised Israel&rsquo;s actions. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that without a two-state solution, peace in the Middle East would remain elusive. The UN Commission of Inquiry also released a 72-page report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and blaming top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel rejected the findings as false and biased.
Domestically, pressure on Netanyahu is mounting as families of hostages held in Gaza staged protests outside his residence, demanding a halt to the operation. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive.
Adding to regional tensions, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired missiles toward Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli air defences to respond. The attack followed Israeli strikes on the rebel-held port of Hodeida.
Netanyahu confirmed he has been invited by US President Donald Trump to the White House on September 29, following his address at the UN General Assembly.

Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza City, displacing thousands amid global criticism

Gaza Offensive Forces Mass Evacuations

Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza City, displacing thousands amid global criticism

September 17, 2025 | 15:22 IST