Israel says last opportunity' for Gaza City residents to leave

"Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, said the warning was the last opportunity for people to move to southern Gaza as the military encircled the city. Gaza's civil defence agency said on Wednesday that Israeli forces had killed at least 46 people, including 36 in Gaza City. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that the intensification of the Israeli assault had forced it to suspend operations in Gaza City."

"Katz said: This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City. Those who remained will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters, he said. International humanitarian law experts have said evacuation orders amount to forced displacement and that civilians who remain in evacuated areas do not lose their protected status under international law."

"Hamas is reportedly considering requesting amendments to Trump's Gaza plan, which demands that Hamas disarm and disqualifies it from any governing role in Gaza. Trump said on Tuesday that the group would pay in hell if it rejected the plan. According to a Palestinian source close to the group who spoke to Agence France-Presse, the group could ask for changes to clauses related to disarmament and the expulsion of Hamas and its allies from Gaza."

The Israeli military issued a final warning for Gaza City residents to flee as it intensified bombardment and encircled the city. The military closed the last remaining route for residents in southern Gaza to move north, effectively dividing Gaza while still allowing north-to-south coastal evacuation. Gaza's civil defence reported at least 46 people killed, including 36 in Gaza City, and the ICRC suspended operations in the city due to the intensified assault. Defence minister Israel Katz warned that those remaining would be treated as terrorists and supporters. Experts said evacuation orders constitute forced displacement and civilians retain protected status. Hamas may request amendments to disarmament clauses and seek guarantees of Israeli withdrawal and protection from assassinations.

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