The Israeli army announced on Saturday that more than 250,000 residents have left Gaza City in recent weeks as its forces stepped up operations in the area.
The movement comes as the military continues heavy strikes on the city, urging civilians to leave for their own safety.
According to Israeli estimates, the departures represent a large share of the city’s population, which the United Nations says numbers around one million in Gaza City and its surrounding areas. Many residents have been forced to move south through Al-Rashid Street, following repeated warnings from the military to evacuate western districts.
The offensive has focused on densely populated neighborhoods and high-rise buildings, which the Israeli army claims are being used by Hamas. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that airstrikes have been ongoing, killing at least five people since Saturday morning. The previous day, more than 50 deaths were recorded across the territory.
Media access to Gaza remains limited, making it difficult to confirm all reports independently. However, humanitarian agencies have raised concerns that the military actions are worsening living conditions in Gaza City, where shortages of food and basic needs have already created a severe crisis.
Despite international appeals to halt the assault, Israel has maintained that its operations will continue until Hamas is fully dismantled. Residents who remain in the city describe life under constant bombardment as unbearable, with many families unable to find safe shelter or relocate to other areas.