Israel’s army announced on Friday it’s shutting down the southbound evacuation corridor along Salah al-Din Road. Civilians had until noon Friday to head toward the southern Gaza Strip. After that, the only route open is Al-Rashid Street. 🚧
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the move comes as the Israeli Defense Forces ramp up operations "with unprecedented and intense force" against Hamas and other groups. He urged Gaza City residents to "take this opportunity" and join the roughly 450,000 people who left since early August—about 45% of the city’s population at the time.
Tanks moved in from three directions toward central and western Gaza City, but no major ground gains have been reported. A senior Israeli official says the priority is to get civilians south before pressing further into the city. They expect around 100,000 residents may still be inside, and it could take months to secure full control. Operations might pause if a ceasefire (temporary pause in fighting) is reached with Hamas.
But hopes for a ceasefire look slim after last week’s Israeli strike on Hamas figures in Doha—an attack that angered mediator Qatar and drew a public rebuke from the U.S. On Thursday, the U.S. vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and open humanitarian aid corridors to Gaza. The draft had 14 votes in favor but was blocked by this sixth U.S. veto since the conflict began nearly two years ago.
The United Nations, aid groups, and many governments have condemned Israel’s offensive and the risk of mass displacement. A U.N. Commission of Inquiry even labeled the actions "genocide" in Gaza—an assessment Israel called "scandalous" and "fake."
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Reference(s):
cgtn.com
