Gaza City Faces Escalation: Israel Orders Evacuation Amid Intensified Strikes and Hostage Ultimatum

Israel intensified its Gaza City military onslaught, urging civilians to evacuate the city with immediate effect as it ramps up airstrikes and ground incursions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of an all-out offensive, framing the move as a tough step to annihilate Hamas infrastructure. The Israeli military has targeted skyscrapers, including the as-Salam tower, which it said were being utilized for intelligence and militant activities.

The barrage is simultaneous with a new ultimatum by United States President Donald Trump, demanding Hamas release all hostages and surrender. Israeli officials dubbed the bombardments a "mighty hurricane," designed to pressure Hamas to accept the offer of ceasefire. Hamas, while mulling over the offer, is insisting on a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces before releasing hostages.

The human toll continues to increase. Over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed and thousands of others injured or trapped under rubble since the violence began in October 2023. Dozens, among them journalists and children, have been killed in recent bombardments. Hunger and malnutrition are worsening, with nearly 400 deaths reported from starvation.

Meanwhile, international reactions are intensifying. Spain has imposed a total arms embargo on Israel, condemning the campaign as genocidal. Another shooting attack in Jerusalem killed six, adding to the chaos in the region.

As Gaza City braced for further devastation, hundreds of thousands of citizens were fleeing to designated "safe zones," though many remained trapped in the chaos. The crisis is ongoing, with diplomatic efforts making no progress.