Israel Tightens Siege on Gaza City as Hamas Weighs Response to Trump Peace Plan
In a significant escalation of its military campaign, Israel has tightened its siege on Gaza City, warning residents to evacuate or risk being considered terrorists. The move comes as Hamas weighs its response to US President Donald Trump's long-awaited peace plan, with Arab and Turkish mediators urging the group to accept it.
According to Israeli Defence Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his forces are "tightening the siege" around Gaza City by extending a military corridor across the territory towards the coast. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Netanyahu warned that those who remained in the city during the offensive against Hamas would be considered "terrorists and supporters of terror." The warning was echoed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said: "We are giving the residents of Gaza City one last chance to evacuate southwards. Those who remain will be treated as terrorists."
The escalation has resulted in at least 45 deaths, with hospitals reporting a significant increase in casualties on Wednesday. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was forced to suspend operations in Gaza City due to the intense fighting.
Hamas, which has been at odds with Israel for years, is reviewing Trump's peace plan, which was unveiled earlier this month. Arab and Turkish mediators have urged Hamas to accept the plan, but the group has yet to make a decision. According to sources close to Hamas, the group is considering its options carefully before making a move.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza City began on Tuesday, with air strikes targeting Hamas positions across the territory. The operation has been ongoing for several days, with both sides trading blame for the escalation. Israel claims that it is responding to rocket attacks from Gaza, while Hamas says that it is defending its people against Israeli aggression.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Trump said: "We believe that our peace plan offers a fair and reasonable solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians." However, the plan has been met with skepticism by many in the region, who say that it favors Israel at the expense of Palestinian rights.
As the situation in Gaza City continues to deteriorate, international pressure is mounting on both sides to find a peaceful resolution. The United States, European Union, and other countries have called for restraint and an end to violence. However, with neither side showing any signs of backing down, it remains to be seen how the crisis will unfold.
In the meantime, residents of Gaza City are bracing themselves for further fighting, with many forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The humanitarian situation in the territory is dire, with food and medical supplies running low. As one aid worker said: "The situation on the ground is catastrophic. We urge both sides to find a peaceful solution before it's too late."
Background:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the same land. The Gaza Strip, which is home to over 2 million Palestinians, has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The blockade has had a devastating impact on the local economy and infrastructure, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment.
The Trump peace plan, which was unveiled earlier this month, offers a framework for a two-state solution to the conflict. However, many in the region have criticized the plan for favoring Israel at the expense of Palestinian rights. The plan includes proposals for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as well as a reduction in the number of refugees allowed to return to their ancestral homes.
Next Steps:
As the situation in Gaza City continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how the crisis will unfold. With both sides showing no signs of backing down, international pressure is mounting for a peaceful resolution. The United States, European Union, and other countries have called for restraint and an end to violence, but it remains to be seen whether their efforts will bear fruit.
Sources:
BBC World: "Israel 'tightens siege' of Gaza City as Hamas reviews Trump peace plan"
BREAKING: BBC Breaking: "DEVELOPING: Israel Tightens Gaza Siege as Hamas Slams Trump Peace Plan"
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.
