The Israeli military has issued orders for Palestinians to evacuate areas in northern Gaza as intensified fighting against Hamas continues. This comes as US President Donald Trump has called for an end to the war and renewed efforts to broker a cease-fire.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged for a deal to be made in Gaza to secure the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to discuss the progress of Israel’s offensive later in the day.
A senior security official stated that the military is close to reaching its objectives and warned that expanding fighting to new areas in Gaza may endanger the remaining Israeli hostages. The military has urged residents in northern parts of the enclave to head south towards the designated humanitarian area in Khan Younis.
Despite the evacuation orders, Palestinian and UN officials have expressed concerns that nowhere in Gaza is safe. The Israeli military has intensified bombardments in areas such as Jabalia, resulting in casualties and destruction of houses.
As Arab mediators, Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, initiate a new cease-fire effort, interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has increased following US and Israeli bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Hamas has expressed readiness to resume cease-fire talks but maintains its demands for an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
The ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023 with Hamas attacks on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Israel’s military assault has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a large portion of the population displaced and infrastructure in ruins.
Efforts to secure a cease-fire and release hostages remain ongoing, with both sides holding firm on their demands. The situation in Gaza continues to be a focal point of international concern as efforts to broker peace and end the conflict persist.
