IDF advances in Gaza, warning of last chance for civilians to evacuate

Israeli forces are approaching a full encirclement of Gaza City, Defence Minister Israel Katz said, urging residents to leave before the city is entirely cut off.

Speaking on the ground, Katz said Israeli troops were seizing the western section of the Netzarim Corridor, south of Gaza City, reaching the coast and “bisecting Gaza between its north and south,” Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

“This will tighten the encirclement around Gaza City and everyone leaving it to the south will be forced to pass through IDF checkpoints,” he added.

Earlier, the military announced that the Rashid coastal road in Gaza would be closed for northbound travel to Gaza City starting at noon.

Katz warned that this is the final chance for Gaza residents to move south and leave Hamas isolated in Gaza City, as the IDF continues its operations with full force.

He also described those remaining in Gaza City as “terrorists and supporters of terror.”

“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,” Katz added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev