Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the IDF is close to encircling Gaza City and that residents have a “last opportunity” to flee but will need to go through Israeli checkpoints, as Hamas was set to respond to a US ceasefire proposal that Israel agreed to, The Times of Israel reports.
Katz’s ultimatum came as medical sources in Hamas-run Gaza reported at least 35 people killed by Israeli fire across the enclave. Israel, which is seeking to conquer Gaza City, on Wednesday announced the closure of a road leading to the city, while the Red Cross said the fighting forced it to temporarily suspend operations there.
Meanwhile, terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip fired two rockets at southern Israel, which were intercepted by the IDF Wednesday afternoon. The attack, which set off sirens in Gaza border communities, did not result in damage or injuries.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the IDF is close to encircling Gaza City and that residents have a “last opportunity” to flee but will need to go through Israeli checkpoints, as Hamas was set to respond to a US ceasefire proposal that Israel agreed to.
Katz’s ultimatum came as medical sources in Hamas-run Gaza reported at least 35 people killed by Israeli fire across the enclave. Israel, which is seeking to conquer Gaza City, on Wednesday announced the closure of a road leading to the city, while the Red Cross said the fighting forced it to temporarily suspend operations there.
Meanwhile, terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip fired two rockets at southern Israel, which were intercepted by the IDF Wednesday afternoon. The attack, which set off sirens in Gaza border communities, did not result in damage or injuries.
In a press release, Katz said the IDF is currently seizing the western portion of the Netzarim Corridor — south of Gaza City — up to the coast, “bisecting Gaza between its north and south.”
“This will tighten the encirclement around Gaza City and everyone leaving it to the south will be forced to pass through IDF checkpoints,” said Katz. “This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas terrorists isolated in Gaza City, in the face of IDF activity that continues with full force.”
