Gaza City, 2 October 2025 — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday blocked the main road leading out of Gaza City, issuing what officials described as a final warning for hundreds of thousands of residents to evacuate before a full-scale offensive against Hamas in the enclave’s capital.
Escalating Offensive
Israeli tanks and troops established barriers along the southern exit routes, allowing civilians to leave but preventing re-entry. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the move was intended to isolate Hamas fighters in Gaza City, which Israel has vowed to target as one of the group’s last strongholds. Airstrikes and artillery fire continued overnight, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting dozens of casualties.
Humanitarian Toll
The United Nations estimates that more than 417,000 people have been displaced from northern Gaza since mid-August, with many fleeing south under increasingly dire humanitarian conditions. Aid agencies warn that food, water, and medical supplies are running critically low as the conflict escalates.
Diplomatic Pressure
In Washington, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump is considering setting a deadline for Hamas to respond to his newly unveiled 20-point peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and the establishment of a transitional technocratic authority in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Foreign Minister said Cairo is pressing Hamas to accept the U.S. proposal, framing it as the only viable path to halting the war and opening the way for large-scale humanitarian relief.
Outlook
With Israel tightening its grip on Gaza City and international pressure mounting, the coming days are expected to be decisive. Whether Hamas engages with the U.S. plan or the conflict escalates further will shape not only the fate of Gaza’s civilians but also the broader regional balance.
