Israel’s defense minister has issued an order for all remaining Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate, stating that this is their final chance. Those who choose to stay will be deemed supporters of militants and will face the full brunt of Israel’s latest offensive. Across the region, at least 16 Palestinians have been reported dead, as Hamas considers a new peace proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the conflict and releasing captives taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
Since Israel initiated a major offensive last month to occupy Gaza City, approximately 400,000 Palestinians have fled the famine-stricken area. However, many remain behind due to financial constraints or physical limitations preventing them from reaching the tent camps in the south.
Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that this evacuation order is the final opportunity for Gaza residents to relocate southward, isolating Hamas terrorists in Gaza City. Those who defy the directive will be categorized as terrorists or terror sympathizers.
In a tragic turn of events, a strike on a school serving as a shelter for displaced individuals resulted in the deaths of seven people, including first responders. Additional strikes in various locations across Gaza City claimed the lives of more Palestinians. The ongoing violence has led to the displacement of over 90% of Gaza’s population, with food scarcity becoming a daily struggle for many.
The proposed peace plan by Trump requires further negotiations on specific aspects, as highlighted by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty and echoed by Qatar. Hamas has expressed its intention to assess the plan before responding. The initiative, which has garnered international backing, demands Hamas to release hostages, relinquish control in Gaza, and disarm in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and cessation of hostilities. It guarantees humanitarian aid flow and pledges reconstruction efforts in Gaza under international supervision. Nonetheless, the plan does not outline a clear path to Palestinian statehood.