Israeli ultimatum to those remaining in Gaza City to leave or be considered terrorists

As a ceasefire plan is underway, excluding Hamas, the Palestinians and even Muslim countries from the proposed post-war regime in Gaza, the latest Israeli aggression surrounding Gaza City dictated that those remaining must leave or be considered terrorists and terror supporters, while 17 Gazans, including children, were reported killed since dawn.

The Israeli military widened its assault on Gaza City with repeated bombardments that destroyed large sections of the territory’s main urban centre, levelling homes, schools and public infrastructure, while displacing tens of thousands who attempted to move south under constant strikes from drones, tanks and helicopters.

The intensified operations came as Israel insisted that the remaining population had reached their final chance to evacuate, even as many Palestinians refused to leave due to fear of being targeted on the way.

Medical sources confirmed that nine Palestinians were killed and thirteen were injured when displaced people were struck in central Gaza, while a Palestinian and his wife died in a drone strike on their house in al-Bureij refugee camp, and another was killed in Deir el-Balah, where more than ten others were injured, according to Al Jazeera.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, eight Palestinians were wounded after a tent sheltering displaced families inside the Al-Aqsa University campus was bombed, despite Israeli declarations that the surrounding al-Mawasi area was a designated safe zone.

Israeli bombardment also struck the Ansar area west of Gaza City, killing a child, while continued air and ground attacks along the al-Rashid coastal road created further mayhem, trapping civilians who had attempted to flee and compelling some to risk returning to the north in search of safety.

The Gaza Government Media Office announced that Israeli forces closed the vital al-Rashid Street, which had been one of the main arteries for movement between governorates, deepening the isolation of communities still trapped in the north.

The escalation has forced humanitarian agencies to suspend their work in Gaza City, with the International Committee of the Red Cross halting its operations after Doctors Without Borders had already withdrawn last week, leaving residents with dwindling access to medical assistance.

The humanitarian crisis now runs parallel to the political uncertainty surrounding a US-led ceasefire proposal that is perceived to prioritise Israel’s objectives while sidelining Palestinian representation, as Hamas continues to deliberate without committing to the terms.