Israel gives Gaza residents 'last opportunity to escape'
What's the story
The Israeli military has issued a final warning to residents of Gaza City to flee to southern Gaza as the military encircled the city and intensified its offensive. "This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City," Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz said. Those who remained "will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters," he said.
Ongoing conflict
ICRC halts operations in Gaza
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has suspended its operations in Gaza City due to the intensified Israeli assault. Gaza's civil defense agency reported at least 46 deaths, including 36 in Gaza City. According to international humanitarian law experts, evacuation orders constitute forced displacement, and individuals who remain in evacuated locations maintain their protected status under international law.
Ceasefire negotiations
Hamas mulls changes to Trump's ceasefire ultimatum
Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly mulling over amendments to Donald Trump's ceasefire ultimatum. According to a Palestinian source close to the group who spoke to AFP, the Palestinian group may seek changes to disarmament clauses and demands for expulsion from Gaza. They also want international guarantees for Israel's full withdrawal and no assassination attempts on their leadership.
Plan scrutiny
Trump's plan criticized for lacking Palestinian state path
Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan calls for Hamas to disarm and release hostages within 72 hours of a ceasefire. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and withdraw troops gradually. Trump warned on Tuesday that the group would "pay in hell" if it rejected the plan, which has been criticized for not providing a path to a Palestinian state.
Crisis escalation
Current Trump plan will be debated in Doha
However, after Trump announced his plan, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli military would stay in most of Gaza, contrary to the plan's public terms. Hamas is under pressure from international countries that have overwhelmingly endorsed Trump's plan. In the past, ceasefire proposals have been discussed among Hamas's leadership primarily in Doha. Similarly, the new Trump plan will be debated in Doha, where Egyptian and Qatari mediators will be joined by Turkey's intelligence head to discuss the plan.