Intensified Israeli Attacks on Gaza City as Reported by Hamas Civil Defense - Intensified Israeli Assaults on Gaza City Documented by Hamas Emergency Services
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a ceasefire proposal brokered by Arab nations, including Egypt and Qatar, is currently under discussion. As of August 20, 2025, Hamas has agreed to the terms of the proposal, which includes a temporary 60-day ceasefire, the immediate release of 10 hostages, prisoner exchanges, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and massive humanitarian aid delivery [1][2][3].
However, the Israeli government has yet to accept or reject the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration have emphasized their conditions for a ceasefire, such as full demilitarization of Gaza, full release of hostages, and Israeli security control [2][3]. The Israeli military continues to prepare for a large-scale offensive in Gaza City, with plans to conquer the city and the call-up of reservists, indicating that military operations persist while negotiations remain stalled on Israel's side [3][4].
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with increasing international calls for a ceasefire. The European Union and several countries, excluding Germany, have issued a joint statement regarding the famine in the Gaza Strip [1]. The non-governmental organization "The Elders" has accused Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip and held it responsible for the famine there [1].
Hamas has sent a delegation to Cairo for talks with Egyptian representatives about negotiations on a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip [1]. The Israeli military has conducted heavy air strikes on residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra in Gaza [1]. The Council of Europe has requested member states to ensure weapons are not used in the Gaza Strip, and no exports should be approved if there's a risk of human rights violations [1].
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that there would be no further exports of military goods to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip [1]. At least 24 people were killed in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday alone, but these figures cannot be independently verified [1]. According to Israeli reports, over 1200 people were killed during the war [1].
The European Union and 24 countries have called for immediate action against the spreading famine in the Gaza Strip [1]. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, along with foreign ministers of signatory countries, has called on Israel to approve all aid shipments from international non-governmental organizations and stop hindering their work [1]. Egypt, along with Qatar and the US, is working to advance a 60-day ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip [1].
Despite COGAT's claim that there are no signs of widespread malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, the situation remains dire. The war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas' large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has been ongoing for 22 months, with Israel facing increasing criticism due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation [1]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urged by his critics to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Islamists [1].
The conflict continues, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The international community is watching closely, hoping for a resolution that brings an end to the suffering in the Gaza Strip.
The European Union, alongside other countries, has expressed concerns about the worsening famine in the Gaza Strip and has called for immediate action [1]. In the realm of politics and general news, the European Union has also been actively involved in the fight against terrorism and the ongoing conflict, as it urgently seeks a ceasefire during the 22-month war between Israel and Hamas [1].