The occupation isolates the city of Gaza.. Tight siege after the control of "Netsarim Axis"

Israeli Minister of War Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the occupying army is tightening its grip on the city of Gaza after completing control over the "Netsarim" coastal axis, which separates the northern Gaza Strip from the southern part, in a move he said would enhance the "complete siege" on the city that is home to about a million Palestinians.

In a previous statement, the occupying army indicated its intention to close the coastal Al-Rasheed Street, allowing only Palestinians from the city of Gaza to pass towards the center and south. Al-Rasheed Street is considered one of the vital arteries for movement between the governorates of the Strip, especially after the closure of Salah al-Din Street in eastern Gaza during the ongoing aggression.

Katz stated in an official statement: "The Israeli army is currently completing control over the Netsarim axis on the western coast of the Strip, dividing Gaza into north and south," adding that "this siege will force anyone leaving the city to pass through army checkpoints."

He continued: "This is the last opportunity for the residents of Gaza who wish to move south, leaving Hamas militants isolated in the city of Gaza facing the army's ongoing operations with full force."

The Israeli minister claimed that "those who remain in Gaza will be considered terrorists and supporters of terrorism." Katz confirmed that the army is "prepared for all scenarios and determined to continue its operations until all hostages are recovered and Hamas is disarmed, leading to the end of the war."

For its part, the government media office in Gaza described on Wednesday the decision of the occupation to close Al-Rasheed coastal street as "a new crime and an arbitrary measure within the policy of genocide" that the Israeli occupation has been practicing against the residents of the Strip for two years.

It added that the occupation continues to intensify its bloody bombardment of the city of Gaza, demolishing its residential buildings, in an attempt to force Palestinians to flee, paving the way for its complete occupation.

On August 8, the occupation government approved a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip, starting with the city of Gaza.

Just three days later, the army launched a wide-scale attack on the city, during which it destroyed homes and residential towers, targeted camps for the displaced and hospitals, and carried out ground incursions.

Since October 7, 2023, the occupying army, with complete American support, has continued to commit genocide in the Strip, resulting so far in the martyrdom of 66,148 Palestinians and the injury of 168,716 others, most of whom are children and women.

The siege and starvation have also caused the death of 455 civilians, including 151 children, due to famine.