IDF issues evacuation order for entirety of Gaza City

"For your safety, evacuate immediately via the Al-Rashid axis towards the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi. Remaining in the area is extremely dangerous."

Al-Mawasi, a coastal area designated as a safe zone by the military, is already believed to be home to around half of the Strip's total population.

The evacuation follows a new threat from Defence Minister Israel Katz, who wrote on X: "If Hamas terrorists do not lay down their arms and release all the hostages - they will be destroyed and Gaza will be ruined [some outlets have translated this as "Gaza will be razed"]."

The renewed push comes as Hamas considers a new ceasefire proposal, outlined by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.

The terms reportedly include the release of all hostages on day one of a prospective truce, in return for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel - including hundreds convicted of terror offences.

This would result in the cancellation of the IDF's planned occupation of Gaza City and facilitate talks about a permanent end to the war.

Latest reports suggest that Hamas is prepared to examine the proposal, which reportedly includes "significant guarantees" against Israel resuming the war if it is accepted.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the proposal, calling it a “real potential breakthrough”.

“The agreement will advance a broad regional settlement, will result in the release of all hostages, and will allow soldiers and reservists to return home to rebuild their families and their livelihoods,” it said. “The agreement paves the way for Israel’s security and will end a perpetual war that has lasted almost two years.”