The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have halted their advance in Gaza City, maintaining current lines of occupation without further territorial gains, according to information released during the reporting window of October 4th, 2025, between 9:34 AM and 10:34 AM UTC. This operational shift aligns with a directive to cease initiated attacks while allowing for defensive actions to neutralize threats to IDF forces. During this past hour, the IDF clarified its fire policy, stating that while there are no initiated attacks, any assault necessary to remove threats to forces will be executed. Reports of recent attacks in Gaza are attributed to this defensive posture, aimed at protecting troops and warning civilians away from the northern Gaza City area, as indicated in new source material. This development follows an earlier warning issued this morning, October 4th, between 8:04 AM and 9:04 AM UTC, by Avichay Adraee, advising Gaza Strip residents against returning to northern Gaza Valley due to its designation as a dangerous fighting zone. Al-Rashid Street remains open for southward movement, and attempts to return to Gaza City were described as extremely dangerous, according to a statement from Adraee. The IDF also confirmed ongoing operations within Gaza City aimed at locating Hamas operatives, supported by aerial assets including UAVs, helicopters, and fighter jets. Earlier this morning, between 3:04 AM and 4:04 AM UTC, Israeli raids targeted areas in Gaza City. These raids occurred despite a directive for the IDF to shift towards defensive operations. Yesterday, the IDF conducted an airstrike against Hamas operatives in Khan Yunis in response to a conflict between Hamas and the Almada clan, amidst ongoing ceasefire efforts and President Trump's proposal for ending the war in Gaza.
