Muscat: Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a sweeping order calling on all residents of Gaza City, from the Old City and Tuffah in the east to the Mediterranean coast in the west, to leave immediately via the Rashid axis toward the designated “humanitarian zone” in Al-Mawasi. Leaflets with maps were dropped across the city to guide the population southward.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced the warning, declaring, “This is only the beginning of the intensified ground maneuver in Gaza City,” as Israeli forces escalated airstrikes targeting high-rise buildings in the densely populated area. The Israeli military said it already controls about 40% of Gaza City.

Despite the order, Israeli officials acknowledged that only 70,000 residents, less than 10% of the city’s population, have evacuated so far. Shortages of tents and shelters remain acute, with just 3,000 tents entering Gaza to date, though officials say 100,000 are expected to be delivered within three weeks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel plan to expand the number of aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) from four to 16, though there is no confirmation that the new centers have been fully established.