Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 15:13 IST
Israel ordered Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of a new offensive after warning that a "mighty hurricane" would strike Gaza's largest city if Hamas did not surrender.

A file photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Gaza City residents, ordering them to evacuate immediately ahead of a planned ground assault by Israeli forces in the city.
“In the last two days, we have taken down 50 terrorist high-rises, and this is only the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza City. I say to the residents of Gaza: You have been warned; Get out of there!" the Israeli PM said in a video address.
PM Netanyahu at the Air Force Command Center:“In the last two days, we have taken down 50 terrorist high-rises, and this is only the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza City. I say to the residents of Gaza: You have been warned; Get out of there!"https://t.co/Pf3f9QljWP pic.twitter.com/II5cx1DmnT— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 8, 2025
Netanyahu said Israeli forces were organising and assembling into Gaza City for a ground “manoeuvre". His remarks came after armed gunmen opened fire in east Jerusalem on Monday, killing six people and injuring 11 others.
“This has been a difficult day in our war on terrorism. Two abhorrent terrorists came to a bus stop, shot at a bus and murdered 6 of our dear citizens. I send condolences to the families, and best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were wounded," Netanyahu said.
The Israeli military also ordered Gaza City residents to evacuate Gaza City ahead of the new offensive, after Israel warned that a “mighty hurricane" would strike Gaza’s largest city if Hamas did not surrender and release the hostages it holds.
The evacuation orders sparked panic and confusion among residents in Gaza City, with some people opting not to leave as they believe no other place is safe, according to Reuters. The Israeli military has instructed Gaza City residents to move to the southern Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, which it designated as “a humanitarian zone."
Israel has been intensifying its bombardment of the city in preparation for an operation to conquer it, despite repeated entreaties from Western nations and aid agencies to stop.
Israel’s Final Warning
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday warned Hamas of “annihilation" if the terror group does not release hostages it captured during the October 2023 attack.
“Today, a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will. This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weapons—or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated. The IDF continues as planned—and is preparing to expand the maneuver to decisively defeat Gaza," Katz wrote.
The Israeli warning came after US President Donald Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Hamas to release hostages and agree to his terms to end the Gaza war, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people. Israel’s military response has killed over 63,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.
Hamas militants seized 251 hostages during the massive October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, with 48 still believed to be in Gaza. The Israeli military said 25 of them are dead and has sought the return of their remains.
(with inputs from agencies)
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...
Read More
Location :
Jerusalem, Israel
First Published:
September 09, 2025, 15:13 IST
News world 'Get Out Of There': Netanyahu Warns Of Full-Blown Military Operation In Gaza City
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