UPDATE: Israel has just issued a final warning for residents in Gaza City to evacuate as heavy bombardment continues. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced this urgent directive on October 11, 2023, stating that this is the last chance for civilians to flee south as military operations intensify.
Reports indicate relentless explosions rattling Gaza City, as Israel tightens its military encirclement. Katz warned residents remaining in the city would be deemed “terrorists and terrorist supporters.” The military has effectively severed northern Gaza from the south by seizing the Netzarim corridor, complicating any potential escape routes.
“This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south,” Katz posted on X. He emphasized that anyone attempting to leave would face Israeli military checkpoints, which further complicates the evacuation effort.
Witnesses describe dire conditions in Gaza City, where 60-year-old Rabah al-Halabi sheltering in a tent near Al-Shifa Hospital, reported continuous bombardment. “I will not leave because the situation in Gaza City is no different from the situation in the southern Gaza Strip,” he told AFP. “All areas are dangerous, the bombing is everywhere.” His words reflect the fear and desperation engulfing the region.
“We are waiting for death, or perhaps relief from God and for the truce to come,” al-Halabi added.
As humanitarian conditions worsen, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced a temporary suspension of its operations in Gaza City, following similar actions by Doctors Without Borders. This suspension underscores the urgency of the humanitarian crisis, with multiple agencies struggling to deliver aid amid ongoing violence.
In parallel, Hamas is evaluating a peace proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, hostage releases within 72 hours, and Hamas disarmament, although internal divisions within Hamas could complicate acceptance. A Palestinian source close to Hamas indicated that the group requires two to three days to deliberate.
Hamas has expressed reservations about the disarmament clause and demands international guarantees for a complete Israeli withdrawal. As the situation develops, the stakes remain high, with ongoing military operations resulting in reported casualties. The Gaza civil defense agency reports at least 46 people killed on Wednesday alone, with over 36 in Gaza City.
Amid the chaos, Fadel al-Jadba, a 26-year-old from Gaza City, voiced frustration, stating, “We want a ceasefire at any cost because we are frustrated, exhausted.” His plea resonates with many who feel abandoned in the turmoil.
As the deadline for Hamas to respond to Trump’s proposal approaches, tensions are escalating. Trump warned that if Hamas does not accept the plan within “three or four days,” the consequences would be severe. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the reality that more than 66,148 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the conflict escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 Israelis.
The international community is closely watching these developments, with hopes for a ceasefire amidst escalating violence. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the humanitarian crisis deepens, leaving countless lives hanging in the balance.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds. The urgency of the moment cannot be overstated.
