The Israeli military on Wednesday delivered what it described as a “final warning” to people living in Gaza City. Officials urged civilians to move south before Israel begins an intensified assault on the city, which has been encircled by its forces.

Defence Minister Israel Katz stressed this was the last chance for civilians to leave safely. “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 said. He also warned, “Those who remained will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters.”

Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli attacks killed at least 46 people on Wednesday alone, including 36 in Gaza City.

Red Cross Suspends Operations

Amid the escalating strikes, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed it had suspended operations in Gaza City, citing the intensity of the Israeli offensive.

Movement Routes Cut Off

Earlier on Wednesday, Israel also shut down the last remaining route that allowed residents from southern Gaza to move north. This effectively split the Gaza Strip into two parts. However, officials clarified that residents in northern Gaza could still move south along the coastal road to escape the bombardment.

Hamas Seeks Amendments to Trump’s Plan

While the military campaign continues, Hamas is reportedly considering asking for changes to US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal. According to The Guardian, the plan requires Hamas to disarm and bars the group from holding any governing role in Gaza. Trump had warned on Tuesday that Hamas would “pay in hell” if it rejected the deal.

A Palestinian source told AFP that Hamas may demand revisions to clauses related to disarmament and the removal of its leadership. The group also wants international guarantees for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza and assurances that no assassinations would target its leaders.

Regional Diplomacy in Motion

Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said on Wednesday that certain elements of Trump’s plan need further negotiation. Qatar had expressed the same view a day earlier. However, it remains unclear how the US and Israel will respond to these concerns.

Key Demands in Trump’s 20-Point Proposal

The American plan outlines a series of steps:

• Hamas must release the 48 hostages it still holds within 72 hours of a ceasefire.

• Israel would release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

• Israeli troops would gradually withdraw to a buffer zone at Gaza’s edge.

• Humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza would increase after the truce.

However, the proposal does not include the creation of a Palestinian state — a long-standing demand of Hamas and much of the Arab world.