The Israeli army announced Friday that it has closed the Salah al-Din Road corridor south from Gaza City, which had been allowing civilians to flee towards safer areas in the southern Gaza Strip.
According to the military’s Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, civilian use of the route was permitted until noon local time. “From this moment, Salah al-Din Road is closed for southbound travel. The Israeli Defense Forces will continue to operate with unprecedented and intense force against Hamas and other terrorist organizations,” he said in a post on X addressed to residents of Gaza City.
Residents are now being urged to use Al-Rashid Street as the only humanitarian passage south. The spokesman called on those remaining in Gaza City to “take this opportunity” and join thousands who have already relocated to designated humanitarian areas further south.
Israeli media estimate that around 450,000 people—roughly 45 percent of Gaza City’s population as of August 10—have already moved south since Israel announced its plan to seize control of the city. A senior Israeli official said military efforts are currently focused on driving civilian movement and that combat operations will intensify over the coming weeks.
The city’s full capture could span months, with Israeli authorities expecting about 100,000 civilians to remain. The official noted that operations could pause if a ceasefire agreement is reached with Hamas, though prospects for a truce dimmed after an Israeli strike on Hamas political leaders in Doha inflamed tensions with Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks.
Last week, the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional lifting of restrictions on aid deliveries. The resolution, backed by 14 members, also condemned hostage-taking by Hamas and other groups.
Meanwhile, a UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel’s offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide—a finding Israel denounced as “scandalous” and “fake.” Humanitarian organizations and foreign governments have criticized the operation and warned of mass displacement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
