Israel gives ‘final warning’ for Gaza City residents to leave
Tel Aviv: Israel’s military has announced what it calls a final warning for Gaza City residents to flee, as its bombardment and ground operations intensify. The message comes as Hamas considers asking for changes to President Donald Trump’s ceasefire ultimatum.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the warning is the last chance for civilians to move south, warning that those who stay “will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters.” Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that at least 46 people have been killed, including 36 in Gaza City, amid the escalating offensive.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has suspended all operations in Gaza City because of the worsening security situation.
Earlier, Israel had closed what was the last remaining route for people to move north from southern Gaza, effectively splitting the territory. The military stated that residents in the north can still travel southwards via the coastal route.
Under mounting pressure, Hamas is reportedly preparing to request amendments to Trump’s 20‑point plan. The group may seek to revise clauses on disarmament, its governance role, and demand guarantees of full Israeli withdrawal and protection for its leadership. The Trump plan demands Hamas disarm, forbids it from governing Gaza, and mandates the release of 48 hostages within 72 hours of a ceasefire — in exchange for Israel releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and gradually pulling back troops. A humanitarian surge and reconstruction in Gaza would follow.
Analysts note the plan omits any path to a Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, declared that Israeli forces would remain in much of Gaza — seemingly at odds with parts of the Trump proposal.
Two militant groups aligned with Hamas have already rejected key terms, arguing the plan grants Israel de facto control over Gaza. The surrender of its arms and acceptance of Israeli or international troops would likely erode Hamas's influence in Palestinian politics.
Key discussions on the plan are expected to take place in Doha, where many Hamas leaders reside. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are to be involved. It remains unclear whether Hamas leadership will take part, especially after a reported Israeli strike in Doha last month targeted senior figures.
Trump’s proposal currently stands as the main ceasefire offer, even amid deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to health authorities, over 51 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, including those struck by a tank near a water tank and others sheltering in schools used for displaced people.
Since the conflict began nearly two years ago, the Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 66,000 killed and almost 170,000 wounded. Recent suffering has also included two additional deaths from starvation in one day, bringing the total hunger-related deaths to 455.