Tensions have surged in northern Gaza after Israel issued new evacuation orders for residents of Gaza City and Jabalia, instructing them to move south toward al-Mawasi as military operations intensify. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say the offensive aims to eliminate terrorists and dismantle Hamas infrastructure.
At least 86 people were reportedly killed in the 24 hours leading to midday Sunday, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Among the dead were three children struck in what had been labeled a “safe zone” in al-Mawasi. Their mother, Iman Abu Maarouf, said the family had followed Israeli directives to relocate there a month ago. “We didn’t do anything wrong. My children were killed, and the rest are in intensive care,” she told Reuters.
As Israeli strikes continue, U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his call for a ceasefire. Over the weekend, Trump urged both parties to “make the deal in Gaza” and secure the release of hostages. He claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively negotiating with Hamas. However, Hamas officials say talks remain stalled despite renewed mediation efforts, particularly by Qatar.
The humanitarian toll continues to escalate. Five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent sheltering displaced civilians in al-Mawasi, highlighting the danger even in designated safe zones. Aid delivery has also come under scrutiny, with the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) facing criticism. UN agencies, including UNRWA, have condemned the aid mechanism as unsafe, labeling it a “killing field.”
Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and over 250 taken hostage, more than 56,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
Trump has also weighed in on Netanyahu’s legal battles, calling for the Israeli leader’s corruption charges to be dropped. Israeli opposition figures have rebuked his remarks, warning against foreign interference in domestic legal affairs.
With hostilities continuing and diplomatic efforts faltering, civilians in Gaza remain trapped in a worsening humanitarian crisis.
