Gaza/Tel Aviv, June 28, 2025 —
The Israeli military has issued fresh evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in central and northern Gaza, signaling an intensification of operations in the densely populated Palestinian enclave. The orders, delivered through leaflets, text messages, and loudspeakers, urged residents to leave immediately to avoid the risk of harm as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) prepare for what they described as “targeted operations against terrorist infrastructure.”
The affected areas include parts of Gaza City, Jabalia, and sections of the central Deir al-Balah region. The IDF stated that these zones have become active battlefields due to “renewed militant activity,” and called on civilians to relocate southward to designated “humanitarian zones.”
In a statement, the IDF said, “We are acting with precision against Hamas operatives who continue to embed themselves in civilian areas. To ensure the safety of non-combatants, we are urging residents to evacuate these zones temporarily.”
However, humanitarian groups and UN agencies operating in Gaza have expressed grave concern over the repeated displacement of civilians, many of whom have already been forced to flee multiple times since the war began in October 2023. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned that shelters are overcrowded and basic services are collapsing under pressure.
“These evacuation orders are pushing families into further chaos. Many have nowhere left to go, no access to clean water, and limited medical services,” said UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma. “We urgently call for protection of civilians and for safe humanitarian access.”
Palestinian health officials reported that intensified airstrikes overnight targeted multiple buildings in central Gaza, resulting in at least 28 casualties, including women and children. The strikes reportedly hit residential blocks, prompting fears of another wave of mass civilian suffering.
The latest evacuation orders come as Israeli forces attempt to dismantle what they describe as a “regrouped Hamas presence” in areas previously cleared earlier in the conflict. Military officials have indicated that intelligence reports suggest tunnels, weapons caches, and command centers have been re-established by Hamas operatives.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-run government in Gaza condemned the renewed evacuations, calling them part of Israel’s strategy to depopulate entire regions. “This is forced displacement and a war crime under international law,” a statement from the Hamas political bureau said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the military’s objectives, stating that operations will continue “until Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel’s citizens.” He also dismissed international criticism, insisting that Israel “remains committed to minimizing civilian harm.”
With no ceasefire in sight and diplomatic efforts stalled, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. Aid agencies warn that unless immediate steps are taken to de-escalate and protect civilians, Gaza faces a worsening catastrophe.