Israel's defence minister has announced that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are tightening the siege around Gaza City by establishing a military corridor extending towards the coast. Minister Israel Katz has warned Palestinians in the city to evacuate southwards, branding those who stay as terrorists and supporters of terror.
On Wednesday alone, reports from hospitals indicated that 45 people were killed due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has suspended operations in the area, citing dangerous conditions.
With significantly increasing military pressure, Hamas is reportedly reviewing a newly proposed peace plan by former President Donald Trump. However, initial reactions from Hamas insiders suggest a likely rejection, arguing that the proposal fails to acknowledge Palestinian interests.
The ICRC stated that civilians must receive protection under international humanitarian law, reinforcing that Israel, as the occupying power, has obligations to ensure their basic needs, including medical care and humanitarian assistance.
As part of the military strategy, Israeli officials aim to isolate Hamas's leadership while facilitating potential hostage negotiations regarding the 48 individuals still held by the group, after hostilities escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October. In the aftermath, more than 66,000 Palestinian casualties have been recorded, making the situation in Gaza increasingly dire.
Recent Israeli statements indicated the abandonment of the al-Rashid coastal road for travel to Gaza City, tightening movement further. The IDF reported that approximately 800,000 individuals had already fled the city since the offensive began, with striking conditions in evacuation areas cited by UNICEF.
As the military boosts operations, humanitarian challenges continue to mount, raising concerns about the safety of civilians amid ongoing violence and potential shifts in peace negotiations.
