Israel’s military has ordered any remaining residents of Gaza’s largest city to move south to a designated humanitarian zone, warning of intensified assaults before launching an airstrike on a high-rise building.
Troops have been pressing deeper into the northern suburbs of Gaza City as part of efforts to take control of the territory’s main urban hub, fuelling fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urged by both international and domestic voices to scale back the offensive and allow more aid into the enclave. Despite the pressure, Israeli commanders announced the creation of a new relief zone in the south.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged civilians in Gaza City to head to a coastal strip near Khan Younis, promising that food, medical assistance, and shelter would be available there.
Soon after the evacuation call, an Israeli strike levelled a tower block in Gaza City. The army claimed the building had been used by Hamas operatives but released no supporting evidence.
Defence Minister Israel Katz posted video footage online showing the moment the tower collapsed following the airstrike. The strike came just a day after another residential block was destroyed in similar circumstances.
Local authorities in Gaza have not confirmed whether there were casualties from the most recent strike, though concerns remain high given the scale of destruction.
Earlier on Saturday, health officials in the Hamas-run territory said 23 Palestinians had been killed, including 13 in the Gaza City area.
Israeli commanders announced last week they now control about 40% of Gaza City and three-quarters of the wider territory after months of bombardments.
Many residents who had fled the city earlier in the conflict had returned, believing the danger had eased. Some of them have now declared they will resist further displacement.
Military statements said troops are now within a few kilometres of the city centre following weeks of heavy aerial and ground operations.
The campaign, however, has strained Israel’s international standing, with some of its strongest allies voicing condemnation over the humanitarian toll.
Two weeks ago, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification — a recognised global body — formally declared famine in Gaza City and nearby districts.
The announcement reinforced warnings from aid agencies that food shortages, combined with destroyed infrastructure, have left civilians in peril.
The war has also fuelled tensions inside Israel, where critics are demanding a halt to the offensive and a deal to free the remaining hostages.
According to Israeli estimates, 48 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive.
Families of those captives have staged public demonstrations, urging Netanyahu’s government to prioritise their release over military objectives.
Netanyahu has continued to push for what he calls an “all-or-nothing” deal that would secure the return of all hostages while dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities.
On Friday, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Washington was engaged in “very deep” negotiations with Hamas to secure the hostages’ release.
Trump urged Hamas to release all captives at once, warning of severe consequences if they refused. “Much better things will happen for them if they comply, but if not, it’s going to be nasty,” he said.
He also suggested Hamas had made requests that he considered acceptable, though he did not provide details.
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