Gaza City Ordered Evacuation: Residents Stand Their Ground Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Sat Sep 13 2025 21:20:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Israel intensifies its military operations to seize control over Gaza City, residents are expressing their defiance against evacuation orders, asserting their unwillingness to leave their land. Reports indicate growing humanitarian crises in the region as many struggle to find shelter and basic needs.

Israeli forces have ordered the evacuation of Gaza City ahead of a ground operation to capture the area held by Hamas. Despite claims by Israel of successful relocations, many locals refuse to leave, citing a lack of resources and a determination to stay in their homeland. Humanitarian organizations warn of a devastating crisis as evacuation efforts clash with the real conditions faced by civilians in the region.

Israel has ordered the entire population of Gaza City to leave, as its forces prepare to capture the north of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli airstrikes have continued to destroy tower blocks, and the army says it now has operational control of 40% of the city, as ground forces prepare to fight what prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the last important stronghold of Hamas.

Netanyahu this week stated that 100,000 people had left the city, but reports suggest that up to a million residents remain—many living in tents or makeshift shelters. Many express their refusal or inability to leave.

Ammar Sukkar, a resident whose home was struck, insisted, Whether you like it or not, Netanyahu, we're not leaving. Go and deal with Hamas, go and kill them. We're not to blame. And even if we're buried here, we're not leaving. This is my land. So far, he and others like Wael Shaban have faced immense challenges following evacuation orders, with no means to relocate.

Israel's military claims to provide shelter, food, and water in designated humanitarian zones but aid organizations report these areas are overcrowded and lacking necessary resources. The Red Cross has deemed the mass evacuation plan as unfeasible and “incomprehensible.”

Israel continues to develop new aid sites, but as the situation unfolds, reports indicate the danger remains high for civilians, with strikes occurring even in designated humanitarian spaces. Lt Col Nadav Shoshani pointed to Hamas tactics of using civilians as shields, complicating the already precarious situation for residents.

As military operations escalate, the tension grows between Israel's objectives and the dire humanitarian plight of civilians, leaving many to question the real nature of safety amid this relentless conflict. Netanyahu claims that military actions are vital for the success against Hamas, even in the face of fierce criticism and humanitarian concerns.