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Thousands flee Gaza City as Israel threatens new offensive

Jules Giessler
August 29, 2025

Tens of thousands of people continue to flee Gaza City as Israel moves ahead with plans to take control of the area. The offensive could displace about 1 million people who are sheltering there. Israel has described Gaza City as the last remaining stronghold of Hamas.

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Israelis preparing for its next offensive in Gaza City, prompting mass displacement. Many Palestinians have fled multiple times, facing immense hardship. Despite the danger, some refuse to leave, fearing Gaza's erasure. Israel's ultraconservative finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, advocates annexation and cutting off resources to force the surrender of the Hamas group. The United Nations condemns such tactics, urging a ceasefire and humanitarian access. Gazans continue fleeing, with no safe haven in sight.