Red Cross says 'forced' to suspend Gaza City operations due to ‘Israeli’ offensive

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced Wednesday that escalating military activity in Gaza City has compelled it to temporarily suspend operations in the city. 

The organization warned that tens of thousands of people are facing severe humanitarian conditions.

"The intensification of military operations in Gaza City has forced the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to temporarily suspend operations at its Gaza City office and relocate staff to ICRC offices in southern Gaza to ensure staff safety and operational continuity," it said in a statement.

Read more: ‘Last opportunity’ to leave: Katz says IOF close to encircling Gaza City

Earlier Wednesday, the ‘Israeli’ military closed the last southern-to-northern route amid its Gaza City offensive and ordered residents to evacuate south. 

'Israeli' forces are close to completing the encirclement of Gaza City, 'Israel’s' Defense Minister Israel Katz announced, warning that civilians have a “last opportunity” to leave the area before a new phase of the assault begins.

Katz said that 'Israeli' troops have seized full control of the Netzarim axis, a key strategic corridor running from central Gaza to the Mediterranean Sea. 

The move effectively cuts Gaza City off from the rest of the enclave and “tightens the siege” on the densely populated urban center, he added.