Urgent Evacuations Continue as Israel Targets Gaza High-Rises Amid Rising Humanitarian Crisis

Fri Jan 02 2026 01:52:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Israeli forces intensify their operations in Gaza, evacuation orders are issued for high-rise buildings in Gaza City. Aid organizations warn that movements are limited for displaced Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis including famine conditions. Protests erupt in Israel demanding the return of hostages.

The Israeli military has directed Palestinians to evacuate southern Gaza as it continues to target high-rise buildings in Gaza City. Aid groups emphasize the dire humanitarian situation as many displaced families find no refuge. Protests in Israel call for urgent negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas, amidst mounting civilian casualties reported. Israel claims ongoing military operations are crucial for national security.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli army issued urgent evacuation orders and actively targeted high-rise buildings in Gaza City on Saturday, urging civilians to escape towards the southern regions amidst an escalating military offensive aimed at seizing control of the city.

Amid these developments, humanitarian groups have raised alarms about the worsening crisis in Gaza, warning that such mass evacuations would place an even greater strain on the region already suffering from food shortages and infrastructure collapse.

Most Palestinian families have been displaced multiple times throughout the ongoing conflict, leaving many with little to no safe refuge as the Israeli military has previously struck tent encampments designated as 'humanitarian zones.'

“There is no safe tent, no safe house, no safe place, no safety at all,” expressed Nadia Marouf, a resident who fled northern Gaza only to have her new shelter destroyed in an airstrike that obliterated a 15-story building.

The Israeli military’s spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, called upon civilians to move south, announcing the reestablishment of a humanitarian perimeter encompassing the overcrowded Muwasi area amid concerns over inadequate shelter and sanitation for displaced individuals.

Humanitarian aid workers have criticized the military’s efforts, noting the decimation of critical infrastructure in Khan Younis due to prolonged bombardment. Concerns grow as Hamas continues to encourage civilians to remain in their current locations despite the risks.

Protests were held in Israel as thousands gathered to rally for the release of hostages taken during the ongoing war, expressing frustrations about the government’s handling of negotiations with Hamas. Public sentiment is increasingly perturbed by rising casualties and destruction in Gaza, with many demanding immediate action and accountability from Israeli authorities.

The situation remains dire as civilians on the ground face escalating violence and despair, with humanitarian access critically limited by ongoing military operations.