Israel seizes 40% of Gaza as one million face evacuation orders

The IDF said on Sept. 4, 2025, that its forces controlled about 40% of Gaza City, including Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin announced the gains and said operations would expand in coming days. The IDF said it seized control to dismantle militant infrastructure and to target Hamas fighters.

Gaza health authorities reported 53 Palestinians killed in 24 hours during Sept. 4-5, 2025 fighting. They said the toll pushed Gaza's cumulative deaths above 64,000 as of Sept. 5, 2025. Hospitals reported shortages of staff, beds, and fuel as wounded filled remaining facilities.

The Israeli military declared large parts of Gaza City a combat zone and ordered civilians to evacuate on Sept. 4, 2025. Officials said about one million residents faced evacuation orders but warned they could not safely move within Gaza. The Gaza Strip measures about 140 square miles and houses roughly 2.3 million people, limiting refuge options. Displaced families said they had no adequate shelter, food, or medical care in areas labeled safe.

On Aug. 30, 2025, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric called mass evacuation unfeasible and incomprehensible. She cited destroyed infrastructure and continued bombardment of so-called safe zones. UN agencies reported cuts to water, power, and telecommunications in areas under Israeli control. They warned that blocked convoys and fuel shortages prevented adequate deliveries of food and medicine.