Israel Orders Evacuations in Northern Gaza as Trump Advocates for Ceasefire
At least 86 individuals were reported killed due to Israeli attacks in the 24 hours preceding midday Sunday, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The Israeli military has instructed residents in northern Gaza, including areas such as Gaza City and Jabalia, to evacuate southward toward the coastal region of al-Mawasi. This directive precedes intensified military operations targeting Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced plans to escalate operations westward to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, 'Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaged in discussions regarding the progress of the military campaign. A senior security official indicated that the military believes the campaign is nearing its objectives but cautioned that expanding operations could jeopardize the remaining Israeli hostages. Medics and residents reported an increase in bombardments in Jabalia, resulting in the destruction of several houses and at least six fatalities. In Khan Younis, five individuals were killed in an airstrike on a tent encampment near al-Mawasi. The total death toll for Sunday reached at least 23, according to medical sources. The escalation coincides with renewed ceasefire efforts led by Egypt and Qatar, supported by the United States, aiming to end the 20-month conflict and secure the release of hostages. A Hamas official indicated the group's willingness to resume ceasefire talks, emphasizing that any agreement must include an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas has expressed readiness to release the remaining hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, contingent upon the cessation of hostilities. Israel maintains that the war can only conclude if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled, a condition Hamas rejects. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. Subsequent Israeli military actions have led to over 56,000 Palestinian fatalities, displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza, and caused a significant humanitarian crisis.