đź”´ Israel-Gaza Crisis Intensifies Amid Ceasefire Talks
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached a critical juncture, with intense military operations continuing across Gaza and diplomatic efforts underway to broker a ceasefire. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have devastated Gaza City, killing dozens of civilians and targeting key infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The violence comes as Hamas deliberates over a peace proposal put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to end nearly two years of war.
Escalating Violence
Israeli forces have launched a series of heavy airstrikes across Gaza, particularly in Gaza City, where the destruction has been described as relentless. Civil defense officials report at least 13 deaths from recent strikes, including six people killed in a school shelter and seven in a family home. Al-Falah School, converted into a shelter for displaced families, was hit by two missiles, killing several civilians and first responders. The largest medical complex in Gaza, Al-Shifa Hospital, has also come under fire, with kidney dialysis patients and emergency crews facing grave danger.
The Israeli military has closed Al-Rashid Street, the last northern access route, effectively trapping thousands of civilians. Despite evacuation orders, many residents refuse to leave, fearing attacks in the south. Over 400,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City since Israel launched its latest offensive, but hundreds of thousands remain, unable to afford the journey or too weak to travel.
Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
President Trump has introduced a 20-point peace plan aimed at halting the war. The proposal includes:
- An immediate ceasefire
- Release of hostages within 72 hours
- Hamas’s disarmament
- Gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Establishment of a transitional authority led by Trump himself
The plan has received backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and support from several global powers, including Arab and Muslim nations. However, Hamas remains divided. One faction supports accepting the deal under international guarantees, while another rejects the disarmament clause and demands protection of Palestinian rights.
Trump has given Hamas “three or four days” to respond, warning of severe consequences if the group refuses. “Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end,” Trump said.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Continuous bombardment has razed neighborhoods, destroyed schools, and displaced tens of thousands. Emergency services are overwhelmed, and medical supplies are dwindling. Eleven unidentified bodies were buried in a mass grave at Al-Shifa Hospital, highlighting the scale of civilian casualties.
Strikes have also targeted refugee camps in Nuseirat and Bureij, killing three people, and a tent in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital was hit, seriously wounding two. Freelance journalist Yahya Barzaq was killed in an airstrike while working for Turkish broadcaster TRT, bringing the number of Palestinian journalists killed in the conflict to over 189.
Global Response and Activism
International activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla are attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The convoy, sailing into a “high-risk zone,” has faced intimidation from Israeli naval ships. Activists report attacks on their vessels and disabled communications, fearing illegal abduction in international waters.
Spain and Italy have sent ships to accompany the flotilla, though Italy has since ceased tracking the convoy. David Adler of Progressive International, aboard the flotilla, posted a “final letter” warning of imminent Israeli action.
Political Fallout and Future Uncertainty
The war, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack that killed 1,219 Israelis, has since claimed over 66,000 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians. The conflict has polarized global opinion and strained diplomatic relations across the Middle East. Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar are urging Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal, with high-level meetings taking place in Doha.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark ultimatum: Palestinians who remain in Gaza City will be considered militant supporters and face the “full force” of Israel’s offensive. This declaration has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, who warn of collective punishment and violations of international law.
Conclusion
As the world watches, the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance. The Trump peace plan offers a potential path to de-escalation, but its acceptance hinges on Hamas’s internal deliberations and the willingness of both sides to compromise. Meanwhile, civilians continue to suffer, caught in the crossfire of a war that has already left deep scars on the region.
