The Israeli military announced the closure of a critical evacuation corridor from Gaza City to southern Gaza on Friday, intensifying challenges for civilians caught in the crossfire. The Salah al-Din road route, opened earlier this week to facilitate civilian movement, was shut at noon local time despite ongoing displacement efforts.
Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents via social media to use Al-Rashid Street as the sole remaining path south, emphasizing Israel's commitment to 'unprecedented force' against Hamas. Approximately 450,000 people—45% of Gaza City's population—had evacuated by Thursday, according to Israeli media reports.
As tanks advanced incrementally toward central Gaza City, an Israeli official outlined plans for prolonged operations, stating military efforts would 'intensify over the next month or two.' The official noted potential operational pauses if a ceasefire agreement emerges, though prospects appear dim following Israel's controversial strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar-mediated talks.
International tensions flared as the U.S. vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate Gaza ceasefire and unrestricted aid access. The blocked proposal, supported by 14 of 15 council members, marked Washington's sixth such veto during the conflict. Meanwhile, a UN Commission of Inquiry's genocide allegations against Israel drew sharp rebukes from Israeli authorities.
With humanitarian organizations condemning both military tactics and displacement policies, global scrutiny mounts over the conflict's human toll. Analysts suggest the evacuation route closure signals hardening positions as diplomatic efforts stall.
