Israel&rsquo;s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, declared that Gaza is facing intensified strikes as the military ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate. Katz said the offensive would continue until Hamas is defeated and the remaining hostages are freed, framing it as a decisive stage in the conflict.
The evacuation order, the first of its kind, triggered chaotic scenes as families attempted to flee. Cars, trucks, and donkey carts were packed with belongings, though many civilians remain unable to move due to high costs and a lack of shelter. Aid agencies warned that southern Gaza is already overcrowded and critically short of food and medicine.
Over the past two days, Israeli forces demolished 50 high-rise buildings, accusing Hamas of using them for military purposes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this was &ldquo;only the beginning&rdquo; of a larger ground offensive. Civil defence teams in Gaza reported casualties, with survivors and bodies pulled from rubble and fears of more trapped beneath.
Medical staff and residents in Gaza protested the evacuation order, pledging to keep hospitals open despite the risks. Meanwhile, families of hostages in Jerusalem urged Israeli lawmakers to prioritise negotiations for their release.
The war, ignited by Hamas&rsquo; October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken, has since killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza&rsquo;s Health Ministry, and displaced nearly 90 per cent of Gaza&rsquo;s population. Violence also spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem, where new shootings have left multiple casualties.

Defence Minister vows “iron fist” offensive as IDF targets Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza

Israel Orders Gaza City Evacuation

Defence Minister vows “iron fist” offensive as IDF targets Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza

September 16, 2025 | 16:50 IST