The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has finalized preparations for a major assault on Gaza City, positioning hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles, according to Ynet and Kan News reports. The IDF issued a warning designating "the whole of Gaza City" as a "red zone," a dangerous combat zone from which residents must evacuate immediately. This announcement comes as Israel has bombed additional high-rises used by Hamas, with over 300,000 Palestinians having already left the city ahead of anticipated major battles. These developments follow earlier IDF evacuation warnings for specific neighborhoods and areas within Gaza City, including Tel Alhah, the Gaza Port, and Al-Remal, targeting buildings identified as containing Hamas infrastructure. The IDF stated that Hamas utilized two high-rise towers, the Mahna Tower and a building at the Islamic University campus, for surveillance and to prepare attacks against IDF troops. The IDF confirmed striking these buildings after issuing prior evacuation warnings. The situation unfolds as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem earlier today, September 14th, 2025, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Secretary Rubio's visit underscored the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. The IDF's evacuation estimates of over 300,000 Palestinians leaving Gaza City align with the military's broader preparations for a significant operation against Hamas. In related news, the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department is supporting 45% of approximately 20,000 soldiers wounded since October 7, 2023, who sustained physical injuries, with an additional 35% experiencing mental health conditions and 20% suffering from both. The department has a budget of NIS 8.3 billion, with NIS 4.1 billion earmarked for mental health treatment.
