In a recent escalation that raises concerns in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army warned that a residential building in the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood in southeastern Gaza City would be evacuated before it was ultimately destroyed by airstrikes. This action highlights a return to the controversial tactic of issuing "prior warnings" and broadening the targeting scope within civilian areas. The recent actions occur against a backdrop of increasing violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place since October 2025, leading to fears that operational patterns similar to those witnessed in Lebanon are being established.

The order to evacuate the building was issued shortly before the strike, with the Israeli army alleging the presence of "Hamas infrastructure" in or near the targeted building. This prompted immediate panic among residents, resulting in hundreds of families fleeing the area to avoid the risk of injury, as the building was located in a densely populated neighborhood housing dozens of Palestinians. This incident marks the second building targeted for destruction since early Friday, with another building belonging to the Abu Hatab family in Khan Younis reportedly bombed, resulting in injuries among Palestinian civilians.

These developments have reignited discussions regarding Israel's military strategies and their implications for civilian populations in Gaza. The use of pre-emptive evacuations and increased targeting of civilian infrastructure not only raises humanitarian concerns but could also signal a shift in Israel's approach to military engagement in urban areas, potentially foreshadowing an escalation in violence reminiscent of Lebanon's past conflicts, where civilian areas were systematically targeted in military operations.