GAZA CITY — Israel has ordered Palestinians to evacuate parts of northern Gaza, including Gaza City and Jabalia, amid warnings of intensified military action, while former U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instructed residents to relocate to al-Mawasi, a designated “safe zone” on Gaza’s southern coast. However, a deadly Israeli strike on the area has raised grave concerns about civilian safety, with reports confirming the deaths of five members of the Maarouf family, including three children.
“They bombed us while we were sleeping,” said Iman Abu Maarouf, the children’s grieving mother. “We didn’t do anything wrong.”
Death Toll Mounts Amid Renewed Strikes
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that 86 people were killed in the last 24 hours alone. Medics said the renewed bombardment early Sunday destroyed several homes across northern Gaza.
In one incident, a tent housing displaced civilians in al-Mawasi was bombed, reportedly killing five people. The IDF responded, saying it could not confirm the incident without more details but insisted it “follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.”
Also on Sunday, the IDF confirmed the death of one of its soldiers, Sergeant Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, in northern Gaza.
Trump Presses Netanyahu for Ceasefire and Hostage Deal
Amid the escalation, Donald Trump has called for urgent progress on a hostage release and ceasefire deal.
“Make the deal in Gaza. Get the hostages back,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was negotiating “right now.”
Netanyahu, addressing members of Shin Bet (Israel’s domestic intelligence agency), claimed that Israel’s recent “victory” over Iran would enable new diplomatic opportunities and boost efforts to rescue hostages.
Talks Ongoing but Stalled
Qatari mediators have reportedly increased pressure for a new multi-stage ceasefire, which would include:
- A permanent ceasefire
- Hostage-prisoner exchange
- The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
But negotiations remain stalled, with both sides blaming each other.
The previous ceasefire, brokered in January, collapsed in March when Israel resumed airstrikes to pressure Hamas on hostage negotiations.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens
Since March, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza’s humanitarian aid, later partially lifting it under pressure from the U.S. and UN. The resulting Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the U.S., has drawn sharp criticism from UN agencies.
“The GHF system is a killing field,” said Juliette Touma, communications chief at UNRWA, warning that only UN-led aid distribution could avoid further civilian casualties.
GHF’s leader, Johnnie Moore, pushed back, stating that “100% of casualties are being blamed on GHF” without evidence.
Political Tensions Around Netanyahu’s Trial
Trump also called for corruption charges against Netanyahu to be dropped, calling them a “political witch hunt” that obstructs peace talks. Netanyahu, who faces bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges, had his court testimony postponed due to “diplomatic and security concerns.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Trump, saying he should not interfere in Israel’s legal process.
Gaza War Background
The ongoing war erupted after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 hostages taken. Since then, more than 56,500 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, according to local health officials.
As international mediators intensify pressure and both sides weigh next steps, the human toll continues to climb, and hopes for a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain.
