Israeli Military Launches Gaza City Operation, Urges Evacuation

The Israel Defense Forces said Gaza City was a combat zone as strikes targeted Hamas infrastructure.

People watch as leaflets dropped by the Israeli military, urging evacuation south to Al-Mawasi, land in Gaza City on Sept. 9, 2025. Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

The Israeli military said on Sept. 16 that it had launched an operation to destroy Hamas infrastructure in Gaza City and urged residents to evacuate south.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in an X post that Gaza City “is considered a dangerous combat zone” and warned, “Staying in the area puts you in danger.”