Israel Defence Forces Enter Gaza City, Open Temporary Corridors for Civilians to Evacuate

Israeli forces have officially entered Gaza City, intensifying their ground offensive following days of heavy bombardment. In a bid to allow civilians to evacuate, Israel announced a “temporary transportation route” along Salah al-Din Street, open for 48 hours, urging residents to move south for safety.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that the corridor is intended solely for civilians, as troops advance block by block through Gaza City, the largest urban centre in the territory. Much of the city has already been heavily damaged, with thousands of residents fleeing in vehicles or on foot, though hundreds of thousands remain trapped amid the escalating conflict.

The Israeli military has not provided a timeline for the operation, stating that its objective is to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure.” Reports from Israeli media indicate the campaign could extend for several months.

The offensive coincides with a UN Human Rights Council report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel has rejected as “distorted and false.” Defence Minister Israel Katz described the situation, stating, “Gaza is burning,” as airstrikes continued overnight.

Long convoys of cars and trucks carrying essential supplies have been seen along Gaza’s coastal roads, while residents attempt to evacuate. During a brief visit to the region, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that there is a “very short window of time in which a deal can happen” to halt the conflict, which has destabilised the Middle East for nearly two years.