Israel's defense minister has stated that the military is tightening the siege around Gaza City, expanding control over a critical corridor towards the coast.
Isael Katz has issued a stark warning for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate to the south, declaring that those who choose to remain will be considered terrorists and supporters of terror amidst Israel's intensified offensive against Hamas.
Reports indicate that 45 individuals have fallen victim to Israeli fire in recent strikes in Gaza City, leading to the suspension of operations by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
As this aggression unfolds, Hamas is reportedly deliberating its response to a new peace initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump, as Arab and Turkish mediators push for approval.
In the latest In the latest military offensive, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described Gaza City as the last stronghold of Hamas, indicating that the campaign aims to secure the release of hostages and achieve a decisive defeat of the militant group.
Katz commented that the IDF is making headway in capturing the Netzarim corridor, effectively tightening the siege, with all movement in and out of Gaza City subject to military checkpoints.
The ICRC stressed that under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected, regardless of their decisions to stay or leave, while highlighting that Israel, as the occupying power, has obligations to meet the basic needs of residents in the area.
Meanwhile, following the breakdown of peace talks, Hamas is likely to reject Trump’s proposal, which includes a request for hostages' release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Trump has warned Hamas that they have three or four days to comply or they will face severe consequences.
As the conflict continues, Israeli and Palestinian sources report that a significant number of residents have fled Gaza City, while many others remain trapped amid dire conditions and escalating military actions.
