Israeli military urges full evacuation of Gaza City

Ahead of Expanded Military Operation

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DEIR AL-BALAH: Israel's military warned Gaza City residents on Tuesday to evacuate ahead of its planned offensive to take control of what it portrays as Hamas' last remaining stronghold and where hundreds of thousands of people remain struggling under conditions of famine.

The warning came hours before Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leaders in Qatar, officials said, intensifying its campaign against the militant group and endangering negotiations over ending the war in Gaza.

The warnings directed at Gaza City were the first calling for a full evacuation. Until now, the military has only told specific sections of the northern city to evacuate ahead of operations or strikes.

Associated Press reporters saw lines of cars and trucks leaving, more than previous days passing from northern to southern Gaza on Tuesday. Children and adults sat atop piles of blankets, pillows, chairs, and clothing stacked on trucks and wagons.