Israel issued its starkest warning yet on Wednesday, telling civilians in Gaza City that anyone who remains will be considered a terrorist or a supporter of terrorism, as heavy bombardment pounded the enclave and diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire hung in the balance.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the army had tightened its encirclement of Gaza’s main city by seizing the Netzarim corridor, cutting the north off from the south. “This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City,” he wrote on X, adding that anyone staying behind would be treated as a combatant. Civilians fleeing would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints.
The announcement came just hours after Israel said it was shutting down the last route into northern Gaza, effectively trapping those who remain. Witnesses described relentless strikes, with explosions rocking areas around Al-Shifa Hospital where many displaced people are sheltering. “All areas are dangerous, the bombing is everywhere,” said 60-year-old Rabah al-Halabi, refusing to flee. “Displacement is terrifying and humiliating. We are waiting for death — or perhaps relief from God.”
Humanitarian organisations are pulling back. The International Committee of the Red Cross said intensified operations forced it to suspend its activities in Gaza City, following a similar decision by Doctors Without Borders days earlier. Despite these withdrawals, some UN agencies continue to operate.
Meanwhile, Hamas is weighing a U.S.-backed peace proposal put forward by President Donald Trump, which calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas’s disarmament and a phased Israeli withdrawal. A Palestinian source close to Hamas told AFP that internal debate is ongoing, with some leaders pushing for immediate acceptance to stop the fighting, while others reject disarmament and insist on international guarantees of a full withdrawal.
On the ground, casualties mounted. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 46 killed on Wednesday, including 36 in Gaza City. Israeli forces confirmed striking a school-turned-shelter, saying a Hamas operative was targeted and “steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians.” Due to restrictions and limited access, AFP said it could not independently verify casualty numbers.
The conflict has taken a staggering toll. Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health ministry figures regarded by the UN as credible, with women and children making up over half the dead.
Trump, speaking to reporters Tuesday, gave Hamas “three or four days” to accept his 20-point plan, warning that if it refuses, the movement will “pay in hell.” With Gaza residents exhausted and international mediators pressing for a truce, the coming days may determine whether the war grinds on or gives way to an uneasy pause.