Israel warns residents "for the last time" to leave Gaza's largest city

2025-10-01 21:35:59, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israel warns residents "for the last time" to leave Gaza's

Israel issued a "final" warning on Wednesday for residents of the Gaza Strip's largest city to leave their homes due to the ground offensive.

This warning came as Hamas - the Palestinian group designated a terrorist organization by the US and EU - is reviewing US President Donald Trump's plan to end the nearly two-year war on Palestinian land.

Witnesses reported heavy shelling in Gaza City, while Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said the military was tightening its siege on the city.

"This is the last chance for Gazans who want to flee south and leave Hamas militants isolated in Gaza City," Katz wrote in X, warning that those who remain will be "considered terrorists and terrorist supporters."

Katz said the Israeli army has taken control of the Netzarim corridor, which connects central Gaza to the West Bank, cutting off northern Gaza from the southern part.

Anyone leaving Gaza City heading south will have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints, he added.

The announcement came hours after the military said it was closing the last road allowing residents to travel from southern Gaza to the north.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said that the intensification of military operations has forced it to temporarily suspend its activities in Gaza City.

A few days earlier, the organization Doctors Without Borders stopped working in the city, where several UN agencies and aid organizations still operate.

Meanwhile, Hamas is considering a peace plan proposed by Trump and supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

What does Trump's plan for Gaza envisage?

The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, Israel's phased withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body.

Gaza's Civil Defense Agency - a rescue force operating under the authority of Hamas - said Israeli strikes killed at least 46 people across the territory on Wednesday, including 36 in Gaza City.

Asked about an attack on a school converted into a shelter, where the agency said eight people were killed, the Israeli military said it had "hit a Hamas terrorist" and that "steps had been taken to minimize civilian harm."

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing large areas of the territory mean that it is not possible to independently verify casualty figures given by either side./REL