Feature fails with "This operation requires a fully defined sketch" and "zero‑thickness geometry" on Mid Plane extrude

When exiting the sketch used for a Boss‑Extrude (Mid Plane, Merge result = on) the operation fails with two messages: "This operation requires a fully defined sketch." and "Unable to create this feature because it would result in zero‑thickness geometry." The sketch appears fully defined (black) and closed, but the extrude will not complete. Help me understand why this is happening?