GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli and U.S. officials are meeting in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the future of Gaza, even as Israel’s military calls the evacuation of Gaza City “inevitable” ahead of a major military offensive, with no ceasefire in sight.
The meeting follows international outrage over recent deadly Israeli strikes on a southern Gaza hospital, which killed 20 people, including journalists and emergency responders. Israel’s military has promised to investigate the attack but has not provided an explanation for striking twice or evidence that six of the victims were militants.
Pope Leo XIV has urged Israel to halt the collective punishment and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza as world leaders call for renewed negotiations.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Aid groups warn that a widened Israeli offensive could exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, where most of the 2+ million residents are displaced, neighborhoods lie in ruins, and famine has been declared in Gaza City.
On Wednesday, Israel’s military instructed Gaza City residents to prepare for evacuation.
“The evacuation of Gaza City is inevitable,” said spokesperson Avichay Adraee in Arabic on X. “Israeli forces have surveyed vast empty areas south of the city to assist evacuating residents. Displaced individuals will receive space for tents, and infrastructure will be set up to distribute aid and water.”
According to the UN humanitarian agency, over 80% of Gaza is designated as an Israeli military zone or under displacement orders.
Military Plans and Ceasefire Talks
Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the military will launch an offensive while simultaneously pursuing a ceasefire.
Hamas reportedly accepted a ceasefire plan from Arab mediators, but Israel has yet to respond officially, according to Qatar, which is mediating talks. The proposed agreement would include:
- A 60-day truce
- Release of some of the 50 remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners
- A humanitarian aid surge into Gaza
- A roadmap for lasting ceasefire negotiations
However, opposition within Netanyahu’s coalition and domestic protests continue, as families of hostages urge a ceasefire, while the government insists a military offensive is necessary to secure hostages and weaken Hamas.
U.S. Involvement
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, while President Donald Trump is set to chair a separate meeting on Gaza’s post-war plan.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that hostages should no longer be the focus of negotiations, which should instead concentrate on Gaza’s future and Hamas’ status.
Recent Strikes and Casualties
Local hospitals reported at least 10 deaths Wednesday, including near aid distribution sites and a displacement camp. Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis killed three people, including a child and a woman, and injured 21 others.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports 62,895 Palestinians killed during the war, about half women and children. Malnutrition-related deaths have reached 313, including 119 children. Israel disputes these figures but has not provided official numbers.
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 people and kidnapped 251, most hostages have been released through ceasefires or negotiations. Of the 50 remaining in Gaza, Israel believes about 20 are still alive.
