Israel has issued a full evacuation order for Gaza City, urging residents to leave as the military prepares for an intensified offensive. The order was announced on Tuesday, with officials stating that operations will be conducted with significant force. Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, emphasized the dangers of remaining in the city, saying, "Staying in the city is extremely dangerous."

The evacuation directive follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval of a plan to seize Gaza City, the largest urban area in the besieged enclave. Ground operations in the city began about a week ago, as part of Israel's ongoing military campaign against Hamas, which has been active in Gaza since October 2023.

Despite the evacuation order, many residents remain in Gaza City. Some cite financial constraints as a reason for staying, while others express concerns about the safety of evacuation routes and the lack of available shelter in designated humanitarian zones. Adraee urged residents to move south toward Al-Mawasi, a coastal area identified as a humanitarian zone.

The evacuation order marks the first comprehensive warning for residents in the current conflict, which has seen Israel previously issue targeted evacuation notices for specific neighborhoods. Reports indicate an increase in traffic as some residents attempt to flee south, but a mass exodus has not materialized.

Israeli officials have reported the destruction of numerous high-rise buildings in Gaza City, claiming they were used by Hamas for military purposes. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that 30 towers had been demolished, while Netanyahu mentioned at least 50 structures had been targeted. The military's actions are part of a broader strategy to dismantle what it describes as Hamas' last stronghold.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with an estimated 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza facing severe shortages of food, water, and shelter. Many families are unable to evacuate due to overcrowded displacement sites and the high costs associated with moving. The United Nations has reported that more than 86,000 tents and supplies are awaiting clearance to enter Gaza.

Health officials in Gaza have reported a rising death toll related to malnutrition, with six adults dying from starvation-related causes in the last 24 hours. Since late June, 259 adults and 140 children have died from malnutrition-related issues, according to the territory's Health Ministry.

As the conflict escalates, international criticism of Israel's military actions has grown. Several European nations have indicated plans to recognize Palestinian statehood during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Critics argue that Israel's military strategy could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis affecting the 2.2 million Palestinians living in Gaza.

Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's commitment to defeating Hamas, stating that the military will continue its operations until the group disarms. Hamas has maintained that it will not disarm without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and will not release hostages without a ceasefire agreement.