In brief
Israel's defense minister stated that the military is tightening its siege around Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate south as operations against Hamas escalate. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, and the International Committee of the Red Cross has suspended operations due to safety concerns. As Hamas reviews a US peace proposal, a senior member indicated the group is likely to reject the plan, which calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The ongoing military activity raises dire humanitarian conditions for civilians still in Gaza City.
Israel's defence minister has said its forces are tightening the siege around Gaza City by extending a military corridor across the territory towards the coast.
Israel Katz also issued a final warning to the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the city to evacuate southwards, saying those who remained during the offensive against Hamas would be terrorists and supporters of terror.
Hospitals reported that 45 people had been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza City on Wednesday, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had been forced to suspend operations there.
Israel is stepping up the assault as Hamas weighs its response to a new US plan to end the war.
Arab and Turkish mediators are understood to be pressing for a positive response, but a senior Hamas figure has said the armed group is likely to reject it.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described Gaza City as Hamas's last stronghold and stated that the offensive aims to secure the release of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas.
On Wednesday, the IDF's Arabic spokesman announced that people in the south of Gaza would no longer be able to use the al-Rashid coastal road to travel north to Gaza City. Gaza's Hamas-run Government Media Office condemned the decision as part of the ongoing policy of suffocation and siege.
The ICRC warned under international law that civilians must be protected, highlighting the dire conditions civilians are facing in Gaza City as the military offensive intensifies.
