Israel Seals Road Out of Gaza City, Defense Minister Issues final Evacuation Warning
Gaza City – Israeli tanks have blocked the main road leading south from Gaza City, preventing the return of displaced Palestinians, as Israel’s Defense Minister issued a final warning for residents too evacuate. Israel Katz stated this represents a “last prospect” for Gazans wishing to leave the city.
The israeli government has called for the complete evacuation of Gaza City, home to nearly a million people, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue operations launched earlier this month.
Reuters reports that Gaza residents confirm tanks have erected sand barriers along the primary route south. Those who left seeking supplies or shelter will now be barred from returning.
“This is the last opportunity for the inhabitants of Gaza who wish to go south and leave the agents of the isolated Hamas in the city of Gaza itself in the face of the continuation of large-scale operations of the Israeli defense forces,” Katz said in a statement, adding that those leaving will be subject to army control.
The United Nations estimates between 600,000 and 700,000 people remain in Gaza City, including approximately 400,000 who have already fled in recent weeks. Israeli forces continue to advance, destroying buildings as airstrikes target the city.
