Israel Orders Gaza City Evacuation, Tightens Siege

Israel ordered all remaining Gaza City residents to evacuate, with Defense Minister Israel Katz calling it their “last opportunity” and warning anyone who stayed would be treated as militants or supporters and face the full force of the offensive. The IDF said it has tightened an encirclement—seizing the Netzarim Corridor and blocking the main road south—allowing people to leave but preventing returns and subjecting evacuees to military vetting as it mounts an expanded ground operation to clear remaining Hamas strongholds. Hundreds of thousands have fled south under intense bombardment while UN and hospital reports say many remain trapped because they are too poor, injured, or weak to travel, and strikes during the advance have killed and wounded dozens, including attacks on shelters and displaced people, according to medical sources. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan that demands Hamas disarm, return hostages and allow a phased Israeli withdrawal, but Hamas is reviewing the proposal and has not accepted it. Humanitarian agencies report growing constraints—ICRC has ceased Gaza City operations, aid approvals are increasingly difficult, and agencies warn the evacuation order and tightened siege risk an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.