Israeli Forces Tighten Encirclement of Gaza City, Defense Minister Katz Says

JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Defense Minister Israel Katz announced today that Israeli troops are closing in on the full encirclement of Gaza City, as IDF forces push westward along the Netzarim Corridor toward the Mediterranean coast.

According to Katz, the advance effectively bisects the Gaza Strip, severing the north from the south. “This will tighten the encirclement around Gaza City and everyone leaving it to the south will be forced to pass through IDF checkpoints,” he said.

Earlier, the IDF declared that the Rashid coastal road would be shut for northbound traffic into Gaza City beginning at noon, further restricting movement. Katz described the development as the “last opportunity” for civilians wishing to evacuate southward. “Those who remain in Gaza City will be terrorists and supporters of terror,” he asserted.

The Defense Minister emphasized that Israel’s military campaign would continue at full strength. “The IDF is preparing for all possibilities and is determined to continue its operations, until the return of all the hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, en route to ending the war,” Katz said.

The IDF confirms it has “operational control” over the western portion of the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, preventing Palestinians from returning to Gaza City.

In the past day, the 99th Division began a ground operation aimed at “strengthening and maintaining operational control over the Netzarim Corridor,” the military says.

“The troops operated to disrupt the operational capabilities of the Hamas terror organization in the area and to expand operational control in the sector,” the army adds.

Southbound movement from Gaza City is still permitted, though Defense Minister Israel Katz said Palestinians would need to go through army checkpoints.