Defiance Amidst Destruction: Gazans Stand Firm as Israeli Forces Advance

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:45:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Israel ramped up its military offensive in Gaza, residents of Gaza City expressed their determination to stay despite evacuation orders and ongoing airstrikes. Many are unable to leave due to financial constraints and the overcrowded conditions in designated humanitarian areas.

With the Israeli military gaining control of parts of Gaza City, many residents, facing dire circumstances, refuse evacuation orders, asserting their right to remain. Despite official claims of sufficient humanitarian infrastructure, aid organizations warn of overwhelming challenges, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Defiance Amidst Destruction: Gazans Stand Firm as Israeli Forces Advance

17 hours ago

Lucy WilliamsonBBC News, Southern Gaza Strip

Israel has ordered the entire population of Gaza City to leave, amidst an escalating military operation aimed at capturing the northern sector of the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have continued to devastate the city, with the army claiming operational control over 40% of it; this is deemed a critical step towards dismantling what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identifies as the 'last important stronghold' of Hamas.

Despite Netanyahu's assertion that 100,000 individuals have already departed the city, many remain, opting not to relocate due to financial constraints or simply out of resistance. Ammar Sukkar, a local resident, voiced his determination, stating, Whether you like it or not, Netanyahu, we're not leaving. This is my land.

Wael Shaban, another resident, criticized the short evacuation notice, revealing that many families received merely 15 minutes to escape following airstrikes, further straining their ability to move south, where designated shelters are reported to be overcrowded and lacking in resources.

The Israeli military has insisted that adequate provisions are available in these humanitarian zones, including food and water, but organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross have labeled the mass evacuation plan as unrealistic, emphasizing that no area in Gaza can adequately absorb the influx of evacuees due to existing overcrowding and resources.

New aid distribution sites are under construction near Rafah, with the Israeli army promising enhanced support. However, the UN has reported over 1,100 deaths at these sites since they became operational, raising significant concerns about safety and accessibility.

In terms of ground operations, residents have noted that evacuating Gaza City poses a much greater challenge than past campaigns in Rafah, as Hamas adopts guerrilla tactics amidst the chaos of urban warfare.

As tensions mount, Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from families of hostages believed to be held by Hamas, caught between military objectives and humanitarian concerns. With the specter of another offensive looming, one more military campaign stands between Netanyahu and what he perceives as victory over Hamas.