Israel Orders Gaza City Evacuation; Encirclement Tightens

Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, calling it their “last opportunity” and warning those who stay will be considered terrorists or terror supporters and face the offensive’s “full force.” Israeli forces said they captured the Netzarim axis, a corridor that splits the enclave, tightening the encirclement as operations continue until hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed. Local hospitals reported roughly 16–21 Palestinians killed on Wednesday, including at least seven people killed when two strikes hit a school sheltering displaced people, with additional deaths at a water tank, an apartment and near hospitals. About 400,000 people have fled Gaza City since the major offensive began, but hundreds of thousands remain, many unable to afford or endure the journey south and cut off from essential supplies. Hamas is weighing a 20-point proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump that would require disarmament and relinquishing control of Gaza in exchange for hostages and reconstruction; a senior Hamas official said some provisions are unacceptable and mediators including Egypt and Qatar urged further negotiations. Israel says it seeks to avoid civilian harm and blames Hamas for operating among populated areas, while the humanitarian situation and civilian suffering continue to worsen.