Gaza city: The Israeli army has closed two main routes in Gaza City, effectively dividing the territory's north from its south as part of a strategic plan to fully occupy the city.

According to Anadolu Agency, army spokesman Avichay Adraee announced on the US social media company X that the Netzarim Axis has been closed to traffic from the south. The closure is aimed at gaining operational control over the Netzarim Corridor in northern Gaza. Additionally, the army has shut down Al-Rasheed Street, a crucial coastal road connecting the north and south of the enclave.

Adraee stated that while the army will permit individuals still in Gaza City to move to the south, they will do so without undergoing any searches. Since August, the Israeli military has been working towards the complete evacuation of Gaza City in a bid to reoccupy the Gaza Strip gradually.

The ongoing offensive has resulted in over 66,100 Palestinian deaths, predominantly affecting women and children, since October 2023. The continuous bombardment has left the enclave uninhabitable and has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread famine.