‘Gaza Is Burning’: Israel Orders Full Evacuation of Gaza City as Ground Offensive Escalates

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed, ‘Gaza Is Burning’: Israel Orders Full Evacuation of Gaza City as Ground Offensive Escalates. Israel’s war in Gaza entered a dangerous new phase on Tuesday, with Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring that “Gaza is burning” as the Israeli military ordered a full evacuation of Gaza City. The move signaled the beginning of a major ground offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas’ last urban stronghold, while raising fears of an even deeper humanitarian catastrophe.

‘Gaza Is Burning’: Israel Orders Full Evacuation of Gaza City as Ground Offensive Escalates

Israel’s Defence Minister: “We Will Not Relent”

Speaking on social media, Katz vowed that Israel would fight “with an iron fist” until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are freed.

“We will not relent and we will not go back — until the completion of the mission,” Katz wrote on X.

The statement came hours after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued its first sweeping evacuation order for all residents of Gaza City, urging civilians to flee south ahead of intensified bombardments and ground operations.

Unprecedented Evacuation Order

The evacuation marks one of the largest forced displacements in the war to date. According to the United Nations, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain trapped in Gaza City, many already weakened by famine-like conditions, displacement, and lack of medical care.

• AP reporters observed heavy traffic as families crowded into cars, trucks, and even donkey carts, with belongings piled high.
• Aid groups warned that most families cannot afford the $1,000 cost of fleeing south.
• Shelters in the southern Gaza Strip are already overcrowded and short of food, medicine, and clean water.

The UN and humanitarian organizations described the evacuation order as “unrealistic” and potentially disastrous.

Also Read: Israeli military evacuation order triggers panic in Gaza City

Towers Demolished, Civilians Killed

Over the past two days, Israel said its forces demolished 50 high-rise buildings in Gaza City, accusing Hamas of using them for military purposes.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the demolitions “only the beginning” of a larger offensive.
• Gaza’s civil defense officials reported that bodies were recovered from the rubble, and survivors were pulled out alive.
• Local officials warned that many more could still be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Gaza’s Hospitals Defy Evacuation

Despite the evacuation order, medical staff and residents vowed to stay behind.

“We will never leave our land … health care workers won’t leave and we are calling for protection,” said Dr. Muneer al-Boursh of Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Hospitals, already overwhelmed with casualties, said abandoning patients was not an option.

Families of Hostages Plead for Diplomacy

In Jerusalem, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas pleaded with lawmakers to reconsider the military strategy.

“If I was released through a deal, then apparently that’s the right way to free the rest,” said Iair Horn, a former captive whose brother remains in Gaza.

The pleas highlighted the growing divide between Israel’s military leadership, which is pressing for escalation, and families who fear for hostages’ safety.

Humanitarian Toll in Gaza

Since the war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 hostages, Gaza has faced unprecedented devastation.

• Over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
• 90 percent of the population has been displaced.
• Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and international aid groups warn of starvation and disease outbreaks.

Violence Spreads to the West Bank

The war’s impact is not confined to Gaza.

• In Jenin, Israeli forces shot dead two 14-year-old Palestinian boys on Monday.
• In Jerusalem, six people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at a bus stop.
• Israel responded by revoking hundreds of work permits and sanctioning the attackers’ families.

The violence underscores how instability is spreading beyond Gaza.

Also Read: Israel Defense Forces Enter Gaza City, Open ‘Temporary Routes’ as Ground Offensive Intensifies

According to Axios, Israeli tanks entered Gaza City on Monday after hours of heavy bombardment. The operation aims to establish full control over the city and crush remaining Hamas fighters.

However, Israel’s security chiefs reportedly advised Prime Minister Netanyahu against launching a deep ground incursion, warning that:

• It could endanger Israeli hostages.
• It risks high casualties among Israeli soldiers.
• It could force Israel into long-term military rule over Gaza.

Despite the warnings, Netanyahu insisted that Hamas leaders would not have immunity “wherever they are”.

Marco Rubio: “We Don’t Have Months, Maybe Days”

During a visit to Jerusalem, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Israel’s military efforts while pressing Hamas to release hostages.

“Hamas could end the war by releasing hostages and surrendering,” Rubio said.

He cautioned that time for diplomacy was running out:

“We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks. At some point, Hamas has to be defanged.”

Rubio later traveled to Qatar, where officials remain incensed over last week’s Israeli strike that killed five Hamas members and a local security officer.

Trump Warns Hamas: “All Bets Are Off”

In Washington, President Donald Trump reacted angrily to reports that Hamas had moved 20 hostages above ground to use as human shields.

“Don’t let this happen or ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!” Trump warned.

Netanyahu quickly thanked Trump for his “unflinching support” in Israel’s war against Hamas.

Controversy Over Israel’s Strike in Qatar

Last week’s Israeli airstrike in Qatar—targeting Hamas leaders—sparked outrage across the Middle East. Critics warned it could escalate the conflict into a wider regional war.

Trump confirmed that he was not informed in advance of the strike, contradicting reports that Israeli officials gave the White House limited notice.

• Trump said he only learned about the attack after missiles were already in the air.
• The White House later insisted it had been notified earlier, though the timeline for intervention was tight.

The confusion revealed frictions between Washington and Jerusalem, even as the US continues to back Israel militarily and diplomatically.

Genocide Allegations and Israel’s Response

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

• The UN, however, has stopped short of using the term, saying it is up to international courts to decide.
• Israel has rejected the charge, framing its actions as self-defense after Hamas’ October 7 attack.

Officials argue that Hamas’ tactics—embedding fighters in residential areas and using civilians as shields—are to blame for the staggering civilian death toll.

Global Diplomatic Pressure Mounts

While Arab and Muslim nations denounced Israel at a recent summit, they took no major action to restrain the offensive.

Diplomats fear that as Israel presses ahead, the window for a negotiated settlement is closing rapidly.

Rubio echoed that concern, saying:

“The only thing worse than a war is a protracted one that goes on forever and ever.”

Key Takeaways

• Israel’s Defence Minister declared “Gaza is burning” as the IDF ordered the evacuation of Gaza City.
• Tens of thousands are fleeing, but most civilians cannot afford to leave.
• 50 high-rise buildings were demolished in Gaza City, causing civilian deaths.
• Medical staff in Gaza refuse to evacuate hospitals.
• Netanyahu vows no retreat, while families of hostages plead for diplomacy.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushes for a deal, warning time is short.
• Trump warns Hamas: “All bets are off” if hostages are harmed.
• Rights groups accuse Israel of genocide, which Israel denies.

Conclusion

The declaration that “Gaza is burning” encapsulates the intensity of the war as Israel escalates its ground offensive in Gaza City. With hundreds of thousands displaced, tens of thousands dead, and hostages still in captivity, the conflict shows no signs of easing.

As Israel presses forward, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the risk of a regional escalation looms larger than ever. For Palestinians trapped in Gaza City and Israelis desperate for the safe return of hostages, the stakes could not be higher.