Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza; final warning issued to civilians

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a final warning on Wednesday, urging residents of Gaza City to evacuate south as the Israeli military intensifies its offensive in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

“This is the last chance for Gaza residents who wish to move south and leave the Hamas terrorists isolated in Gaza City,” Katz wrote on X (formerly Twitter), warning that those who remain will be considered “terrorists and supporters of terrorism.”

The warning comes as heavy bombardments continue to hit Gaza City, according to eyewitness reports. The area has been under sustained Israeli attack for the past two weeks, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee south in search of safety.

Katz stated that the military operation is effectively dividing the Gaza Strip in two, separating the north from the south. He also noted that anyone attempting to flee Gaza City would now have to pass through a military checkpoint.

Shortly before the minister's statement, the Israeli army announced the closure of the last road linking southern Gaza to the north, effectively cutting off any remaining routes for movement.

Meanwhile, Hamas is said to be reviewing a peace proposal put forward by former U.S. President Donald Trump, though no official response has been issued.