Israel is intensifying its military operations around Gaza City, with the defense minister stating that forces are “tightening the siege.” This move comes as Hamas leaders are reportedly considering a new peace proposal put forth by former US President Donald Trump.
The defense minister issued a final warning to the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still in Gaza City, urging them to evacuate south. He declared that anyone remaining in the city during the ongoing offensive against Hamas would be regarded as “terrorists and supporters of terror.” Hospitals in Gaza City reported that 45 individuals were killed by Israeli fire on Wednesday, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced it had to suspend its operations in the area due to the escalating conflict.
Mediators from Arab nations and Turkey are understood to be actively encouraging Hamas to accept the new US-backed peace plan. However, initial reports from a senior Hamas figure suggest that the group is likely to reject the proposal, which they believe serves Israel’s interests.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has identified Gaza City as Hamas’s “last stronghold.” The military campaign aims to secure the release of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, and to achieve the group’s “decisive defeat.” The IDF has been implementing measures to control movement, including cutting off the al-Rashid coastal road for northbound travel from Gaza City, while keeping it open for those evacuating south. The Hamas-run Government Media Office condemned this action, labeling it part of a “policy of suffocation, siege, and genocide.” The IDF has directed residents to move to a designated “humanitarian area” in al-Mawasi in southern Gaza. While Israeli media suggests hundreds of thousands have evacuated, UN partners report a lower number.
The ICRC emphasized that international humanitarian law requires the protection of civilians, whether they stay or leave Gaza City, and highlighted Israel’s obligation as the occupying power to ensure basic needs are met and humanitarian aid is unimpeded. The organization had to suspend operations at its Gaza City office due to the intense military activity, noting that civilians are facing dire conditions.
The Trump peace plan, unveiled earlier this week, proposes an immediate end to the war, the release of all hostages within 72 hours in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Hamas disarmament, and an Israeli troop withdrawal. President Trump has given Hamas a short timeframe to accept the terms, issuing a stern warning about the consequences of rejection. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to the plan, citing that it meets Israel’s war objectives, internal opposition from figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been noted.
The current conflict began following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages taken. The ensuing Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to a significant number of Palestinian fatalities, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
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