Israel said on Wednesday (September 17) that it would allow civilians to leave Gaza City through a “temporary” corridor as its ground assault in the city’s centre grew stronger. Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced in Arabic that “a temporary transportation route via Salah al-Din Street” would remain open for 48 hours only.

The Israeli military stepped up its overnight bombardment, pushing troops further into the heart of Gaza City. Army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir told AFP that the campaign had “significantly expanded,” combining airstrikes, ground forces, and intelligence efforts.
“Our objective is to enhance the strikes on Hamas until its decisive defeat,” Zamir said.

Officials estimate that around 2,000–3,000 Hamas fighters are still inside central Gaza City. Nearly 40% of the civilian population has already fled south, but thousands remain stuck in damaged neighbourhoods.

The UN has accused Israel of committing “genocide” and condemned the offensive as “carnage.” Secretary-General António Guterres said Israel seemed “determined to go up to the end” and was not serious about ceasefire talks.

France also called on Israel to stop its “destructive campaign,” saying it no longer had any “military rationale” and urging a return to negotiations.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump put the blame on Hamas, accusing the group of using civilians as shields. “I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal, and if they do that, they’re going to be in big trouble,” Trump said.

Hamas condemned the offensive as “systematic ethnic cleansing targeting our people in Gaza.” Gaza’s civil defence, which functions under Hamas authority, reported that at least 44 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Tuesday alone.