Israelis have told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that it was not Israel’s policy to use siege tactics against Hamas in northern Gaza, Reuters quotes a senior State Department official as saying.

A so-called “generals plan”, published by retired military commanders and floated by some parliament members this month, suggests Palestinian civilians would be instructed to evacuate northern Gaza, which would then be declared a closed military zone.

“They said it’s absolutely not our policy…We said, okay, then you should go to greater lengths to say that publicly. Not going to say that they will do that by any means but we did hear a very clear commitment that is not their stated policy,” the official said.

More than two weeks ago, Israel began a wide military offensive in northern Gaza, especially inside Jabalia, the largest of the enclave’s eight historic camps. It claimed its aim was to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping.

Residents said Israeli forces had besieged hospitals, schools, and other shelters housing displaced families and ordered them to leave and head south. The residents said forces detained dozens of men.