The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for Gaza City residents ahead of a new offensive, warning of mass destruction if Hamas does not release hostages and surrender. Defence Minister Israel Katz cautioned that Gaza faces &ldquo;destruction and annihilation,&rdquo; calling the assault a &ldquo;mighty hurricane.&rdquo;
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had already demolished 50 &ldquo;terror towers&rdquo; in preparation for a major ground operation. Katz reiterated that Hamas militants must free the remaining 48 hostages or face total devastation.
Hamas, however, has linked any hostage release to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The group is reviewing a new US-brokered ceasefire proposal that calls for releasing all hostages on the first day of the truce. President Donald Trump has termed it Hamas&rsquo;s &ldquo;last chance.&rdquo; Israel has reportedly accepted the framework, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirming readiness for a full deal.
Despite international pressure, fighting has escalated. The IDF recently bombed a 12-story residential block in Gaza City, hours after urging families to leave. Israel said the site was used by Hamas for intelligence and explosives.
Since Hamas&rsquo;s October 7, 2023, attacks that killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages, Israel claims to have gained control of 75% of Gaza. Authorities say only 20 of the remaining hostages are confirmed alive. Gaza&rsquo;s health ministry reports over 62,000 Palestinian deaths from Israel&rsquo;s operations, fueling global criticism over the humanitarian crisis.

Israel warns Gaza of annihilation as ceasefire proposal hangs, Hamas insists on conditions

IDF Orders Gaza City Evacuation Before Strike

Israel warns Gaza of annihilation as ceasefire proposal hangs, Hamas insists on conditions

September 9, 2025 | 12:04 IST