Palestinians in northern Gaza reported one of the worst nights of Israeli bombardment in weeks after the military issued mass evacuation orders on Monday. This intensification of conflict comes as Israeli officials are expected in Washington for a new ceasefire push by the Trump administration.
Continued Fighting Amid Diplomatic Efforts
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump urged an end to the 20-month-old war, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, was expected at the White House for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and potential wider regional diplomatic deals.
However, on the ground in the Palestinian enclave, there was no sign of fighting letting up. Residents of Gaza City described continuous explosions, with schools and homes being bombed. “Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, a 60-year-old father of five.
Israeli tanks pushed into the eastern areas of Zeitoun suburb in Gaza City and shelled several areas in the north. Aircraft also bombed at least four schools after ordering hundreds of sheltering families to leave, residents reported. Health authorities stated that at least 38 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Monday, including 10 in Zeitoun and at least 13 southwest of Gaza City. Medics indicated most of the 13 were hit by gunfire, though residents also reported an air strike.
The Israeli military affirmed it struck militant targets in northern Gaza, including command and control centers, taking steps to mitigate civilian harm. New evacuation orders were issued for vast areas in the north, urging people to move south as Israel plans to combat Hamas militants in northern Gaza, including central Gaza City.
Ceasefire Prospects and Sticking Points
Following Trump’s call to “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back,” Dermer’s visit aims to advance discussions. Netanyahu’s security cabinet is also expected to convene to discuss next steps in Gaza. While Israel’s military chief indicated the ground operation was nearing its goals, Netanyahu suggested new opportunities for hostage recovery, with 20 believed to be still alive.
Palestinian and Egyptian sources familiar with the ongoing ceasefire efforts noted that mediators Qatar and Egypt have stepped up contacts, but no date for new truce talks has been set. A Hamas official stated that progress hinges on Israel agreeing to end the war and withdraw from Gaza. Israel, however, maintains it can only end the war once Hamas is disarmed and dismantled, a demand Hamas refuses.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel has agreed to a U.S.-proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal, placing the onus on Hamas. “Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza,” Saar told reporters in Jerusalem.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, speaking in Jerusalem, expressed “very concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which she described as ‘unbearable’.” She called for a ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages by Hamas, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel, while claiming to allow aid, accuses Hamas of theft, which Hamas denies, arguing Israel uses hunger as a weapon.
The U.S. proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire, the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Hamas would then release the remaining hostages as part of a deal guaranteeing an end to the war.
