NASEIRAT, Palestinian Territories – Israel has issued a final warning for people to flee Gaza’s main city, as Hamas weighed US President Donald Trump’s plan to end nearly two years of war in the Palestinian territory.
Witnesses reported heavy bombardment in Gaza City, as Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said the army was tightening its encirclement of the city.
“This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City,” Katz posted on X, warning that those who remained would “be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters”.
Katz said the military had seized the Netzarim corridor, linking central Gaza to the western coast, effectively cutting the north of Gaza off from the south.
Anyone leaving Gaza City for the south would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints, he added.
The announcement came hours after the military said it was closing the last remaining route for people to travel from southern Gaza to the north.
In Gaza City, 60-year-old Rabah al-Halabi, sheltering in a tent on the grounds of Al-Shifa Hospital, described relentless explosions.
“I will not leave because the situation in Gaza City is no different from the situation in the southern Gaza Strip,” he told AFP by telephone.
“All areas are dangerous, the bombing is everywhere, and displacement is terrifying and humiliating,” he said.
“We are waiting for death, or perhaps relief from God and for the truce to come.”
Hamas said Katz’s comments were “a prelude to the escalation of war crimes being committed by his army.”
