Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately, as the Israeli military escalates its offensive on the largest urban center in the Palestinian territory.
Israel has intensified bombardments on Gaza City, preparing for a full-scale operation to seize control, despite warnings from Western governments and aid agencies not to advance such plans.
The Gaza Civil Defense Agency reported that at least 39 people were killed in Israeli strikes on September 8, including 25 in Gaza City alone.
Netanyahu’s warning came just hours after one of the deadliest attacks on Israeli civilians in Jerusalem since the war in Gaza began in 2023. According to Israeli authorities, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on a bus, killing six people. The attackers were shot dead by police and an armed civilian.
“Let us be clear: these murderers only strengthen our determination to fight terrorism,” Netanyahu declared after the Jerusalem attack.
U.S. Push for a Deal
The evacuation call also followed remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted that a deal over Gaza could soon be reached to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, the Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
Trump warned Hamas that this was its “final warning” to accept the proposed deal, stating that Israel had already agreed to the terms. Hamas later said it was prepared to negotiate based on what it described as “ideas from the U.S. side for a ceasefire agreement.”
The Hostage Crisis
Last month, Hamas accepted a proposal for a 60-day truce that included the release of hostages. However, Israel rejected the deal, insisting on immediate release of all hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and additional conditions.
Out of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel—which killed about 1,200 people—Israel says 47 hostages remain in Gaza, including 25 believed to be dead.
Human Cost of the War
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s offensive since the war began. The United Nations considers these figures credible.
