On October 1 (Wednesday) local time, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a final evacuation warning to residents of Gaza City, asking those who intend to evacuate to move to the south as soon as possible.
According to Agence France-Presse, Katz issued a statement through social media platforms that day, saying: "The military is constantly tightening the siege of Gaza City. This is the last chance for Gaza residents to evacuate. Anyone who continues to stay in Gaza City will be regarded as terrorists and their supporters."
He stressed that the Israeli army has fully controlled Netzarim Corridor, which runs through central Gaza to the west coast, completely blocking the connection between the north and the south.
Hours before the announcement, the Israeli military announced the closure of the last passage for residents of southern Gaza to the north, and all Southern retreats had to pass through Israeli-established military checkpoints.
Gaza civilians in desperate straits
Faced with Israel's evacuation request, some Gaza City residents chose to stay.
Raba Halabi, 60, now living in a tent in the hospital, said in a telephone interview with AFP: “The explosions didn’t stop, a wave after a wave. but I won’t go, Gaza City and the south are no different, dangerous everywhere, bombs can explode anywhere at any time.”
"We are waiting for death, or praying for a miracle from heaven so that a ceasefire can come as soon as possible," he said.
Fadel Jadeba, 26, also chose to stay, and tanks have appeared near his Rimar district.
Jadba said: "There are already tanks in the Talhawa community. I wouldn't be surprised if they drive into Rimar district. We are willing to pay any price for a ceasefire. Now we are tired and disappointed, and we feel that no one in the world is helping us."
The International Red Cross issued a statement on Wednesday announcing a temporary suspension of all activities in Gaza City due to “the escalation of war” and said “tens of thousands of residents in Gaza City are facing an extremely tragic humanitarian situation.”
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was forced to stop its work in Gaza City a few days ago due to the Israeli offensive. At present, only relevant United Nations agencies and some aid organizations are still operating there. However, due to the limitations of the situation, these agencies can The assistance provided is limited and it is difficult to cover the basic needs of a large number of civilians.
Hamas has not agreed to a peace deal.
Hamas is still considering the 20 Gaza peace plans proposed by the United States. The core contents of this plan, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, include: achieving a ceasefire, releasing hostages within 72 hours, disarming Hamas, and gradually withdrawing Israel's troops from Gaza.
Trump clearly warned Hamas on Tuesday (September 30):"They have only three to four days to accept my 20-point truce plan or they will pay a hellish price."
A Palestinian source close to Hamas’ leadership told AFP: “Hamas has not yet made a final decision, and it may take two or three days.”
The source pointed out that Hamas hopes to revise the clauses of "disarmament" and "expulsion of Hamas" in the plan. At the same time, it has made a request to the mediator that international guarantees must be provided for the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza to ensure that Israel will not undermine the ceasefire through assassinations inside and outside Gaza.
Another source involved in the Doha talks said there are currently two very different opinions within Hamas.
"One faction advocates unconditional acceptance of the plan, believes that the ceasefire is a top priority, and believes that Trump's commitment and the guarantee of the mediator can force Israel to fulfill the agreement. The other faction has serious reservations about the key provisions of the plan, opposes disarmament and expulsion of any Palestinians, prefers conditional acceptance, and further strives to modify the content of the plan."