Gaza (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Israel’s military reported on Saturday that over 250,000 people have fled Gaza City for other areas of the territory in the past few weeks, following its stepped-up assault on the largest city in Gaza.
“According to IDF (military) estimates, more than a quarter of a million residents of Gaza City have moved out of the city for their own safety,”
The military’s Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee said on X.
A few days ago, for the first time during the current round of fighting, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order covering the entire city of Gaza. For weeks, the Israeli military has been nudging people to move to al-Mawasi in southern Gaza, which it declared a humanitarian zone with enhanced services.
Reportedly, the evacuation order induced panic inside the densely populated city and uncertainty about the fate of its 1 million residents, who faced the same dilemma of having to leave again or stay throughout the relentless Israeli bombardment.
What humanitarian concerns are raised about attacking Gaza City?
Israel’s latest military campaign has sparked widespread international condemnation, with many countries calling for an immediate ceasefire. Humanitarians have consistently warned that an attack on Gaza City, which is already struggling with famine – would have devastating consequences for its residents and the region as a whole.
Charity groups have stated that the area lacks the capacity and services to cope with the renewed wave of displacement, and have called on Israel to halt its planned attack on Gaza City.
According to the UN, relocating to southern Gaza could cost over £1,000 – an unaffordable price for most residents. Southern Gaza is already overcrowded with people who have been displaced multiple times.
What are the reported Palestinian death toll figures so far?
Gaza health officials reported that Israel’s offensive in Gaza has taken the lives of at least 64,522 Palestinians over the last 23 months. The number of deceased persons continues to grow steadily, and includes an overwhelming civilian death toll that continues to grow, particularly among women and children.
In August 2025, official Palestinian Health Ministry reports state that deaths attributed to starvation and malnutrition, as well as direct violence from ongoing military blockade and assault, had surpassed 62,000.
