Israel’s Defense Minister on Wednesday ordered all Palestinians remaining in Gaza City to leave, calling it their “final opportunity” and warning that anyone staying behind would be considered a militant supporter and face the “full force” of Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

At least 21 Palestinians were killed across Gaza, according to local hospitals, as Hamas reviewed a U.S. proposal from President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict and securing the release of hostages captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. A senior Hamas official said parts of the plan are unacceptable and require amendments, adding that an official response will follow consultations with other Palestinian factions.

Nearly 400,000 residents have already fled southern Gaza since Israel launched a major offensive last month, but hundreds of thousands remain, many unable to leave due to financial constraints or illness. Defense Minister Israel Katz urged residents to move south, warning those who stay will be treated as “terrorists and terror supporters.”

Israel intercepts Gaza-bound flotilla with activists

Several Israeli airstrikes struck a school sheltering displaced people, killing at least seven, while other strikes in Gaza City and central Gaza killed at least 14 more, according to hospitals. Meanwhile, a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid from Spain was intercepted by the Israeli navy as it attempted to reach Gaza.

The war has claimed over 66,000 Palestinian lives and wounded nearly 170,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while around 48 hostages remain in Hamas custody.

Source: AP