Israel tightens siege of Gaza, says last opportunity to flee City

Israeli Defence Forces(IDF) is close to encircling Gaza City. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that residents have a “last opportunity” to flee but will need to go through Israeli checkpoints, as Hamas was set to respond to a US ceasefire proposal that Israel agreed to. Katz’s ultimatum came as medical sources in Hamas-run Gaza reported at least 35 people killed by Israeli fire across the enclave. Israel, which is seeking to conquer Gaza City, on Wednesday announced the closure of a road leading to the city, while the Red Cross said the fighting forced it to temporarily suspend operations there.
In a press release, Katz said the IDF is currently seizing the western portion of the Netzarim Corridor — south of Gaza City — up to the coast, “bisecting Gaza between its north and south.”  “This will tighten the encirclement around Gaza City and everyone leaving it to the south will be forced to pass through IDF checkpoints,” said Katz. “This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas terrorists isolated in Gaza City, in the face of IDF activity that continues with full force.” People remaining in Gaza City will be “terrorists and supporters of terror,” Katz continued. “The IDF is preparing for all possibilities and is determined to continue its operations, until the return of all the hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, en route to ending the war,” it said.
Meanwhile, terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip fired two rockets at southern Israel on Wednesday afternoon, which were intercepted by the IDF. The attack triggered sirens in Gaza border communities. Hours later, five more rockets were launched from northern Gaza at the southern port city of Ashdod, four of which were downed by air defenses while the fifth impacted in an open area, according to the military. No damage or injuries were reported in the attacks, the latter of which came amid Yom Kippur, and as the Israeli Navy began intercepting a large flotilla attempting to break the Israeli maritime blockade on Gaza.