Israel issues 'last' warning for Gazans to flee main city

Israel issued a final warning Wednesday for people to flee Gaza's main city, as Hamas weighed US President Donald Trump's plan to end nearly two years of war in the Palestinian territory.

- 

Witnesses reported heavy bombardment in Gaza City, as Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, said the army was tightening its encirclement of the city.

"This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City," Katz posted on X, warning that those who remained would "be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters."

Katz said the military had seized the Netzarim corridor, linking central Gaza to the western coast, effectively cutting the north of Gaza off from the south.

Anyone leaving Gaza City for the south would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints, he added.

The announcement came hours after the military said it was closing the last remaining route for people to travel from southern Gaza to the north.

In Gaza City, 60-year-old Rabah Al Halabi, sheltering in a tent on the grounds of Al Shifa Hospital, described relentless explosions.