Israel ordered Gaza City evacuated and warned Hamas to release hostages and lay down arms. Netanyahu called it a final ultimatum. The US has presented a ceasefire proposal, which Hamas is considering.
Israel: The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. On Monday, Israel ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate the area immediately. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that if Hamas does not release its remaining hostages and lay down its arms, airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza will be intensified. The IDF referred to this warning as a "final warning" and made it clear that Gaza would be devastated if the conditions were not met.
Netanyahu's Message: "Leave Gaza"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly addressed the residents of Gaza City, stating that there would be no further warnings. He said, "I am telling the residents of Gaza City – you have been warned, leave the area." Netanyahu claimed that the IDF had destroyed 50 "terror towers" in recent days. He stated that this is preparation for an upcoming ground offensive.
Defense Minister's Stern Statement
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on the social media platform X, "Today, a 'mighty hurricane' will rise in the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of terror towers will shake." This statement makes it clear that Israel is adopting a strategy of applying maximum pressure on Hamas at any cost.
Attacks on High-Rise Buildings
The IDF bombed a 12-story building in the heart of Gaza City. This building was already serving as a shelter for many displaced families. Approximately three hours before the attack, residents there and hundreds of people living in nearby tents were warned to evacuate the area.
The IDF alleged that Hamas used this building for intelligence activities and planning attacks. According to the IDF, Hamas was strategizing attacks against the Israeli army from this location during the war.
The Hostage Issue
The IDF clarified that Hamas took 48 hostages during the 2023 attacks, who have not yet been released. This is the reason why Israel is maintaining pressure on the hostage issue. Netanyahu's government has stated the release of hostages as the primary condition for ending the war.
US Ceasefire Proposal
Amidst all this tension, the United States presented a proposal for a ceasefire on Sunday. President Donald Trump described it as Hamas's "last chance." The proposal stipulated that on the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas must release all 48 hostages, both alive and deceased. Following this, negotiations to end the war would commence.
Hamas's Conditions
In response to the American proposal, Hamas stated that they would only release all hostages if the Israeli army completely withdrew from Gaza and a clear end to the war was declared. Hamas accused the US proposal of being merely a "preliminary consideration" with the real intent of getting it rejected, rather than finding a permanent solution.
Qatari Mediation
The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met with Hamas leaders in Doha. He pressured Hamas to accept the American proposal. Qatar has been playing the role of a mediator in the Gaza crisis for a long time and is still trying to implement a ceasefire.
The continuous attacks in Gaza City have severely worsened the situation there. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. Airstrikes have reduced many buildings to rubble. Relief agencies report a severe shortage of water, electricity, and medicine in Gaza.
