Israel sanctions offensive to seize control of Gaza City, mobilizes reserve forces
In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation remains tense as negotiations for a permanent ceasefire continue. The latest proposal, which is reportedly "almost identical" to an earlier version agreed by Israel, has been put forward by mediators, primarily the United States and Egypt, with the United Nations and French President Emmanuel Macron also expressing concerns.
The framework proposed by Hamas includes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners, and provisions for the entry of aid into Gaza. The proposal also envisages the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies from Gaza. However, as of now, mediators are awaiting an official Israeli response on this latest proposal.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has been active in Gaza, with reports of clashes and strikes. On Wednesday, the Israeli military confirmed killing 10 Hamas militants in southern Gaza while repelling an attack by the armed wing of the Islamist group. The Gaza civil defence agency reported that Israeli strikes and fire killed at least 25 people across the territory on the same day. The Israeli military has also announced a new phase of combat involving "a gradual precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City", including some areas where forces had not previously operated.
The situation in Gaza City is described as "catastrophic" with large numbers of people fleeing eastern neighborhoods. This comes after a resident reported that the Israeli military had destroyed most of the buildings in Zeitoun and displaced thousands of people.
In a separate development, Israel's security cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved plans to conquer Gaza City in early August. This decision, however, has not yet resulted in any significant military action.
Elsewhere, in the West Bank, Israel has approved a major settlement project in an area that the international community has warned threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority condemned this decision "in the strongest terms", saying it entrenches division in the territory.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides. Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. On the Palestinian side, figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza show that at least 62,122 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's offensive.
Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved plans for a move in ceasefire talks, but as of now, it remains unclear what these plans entail. It is hoped that a peaceful resolution can be found soon to end the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
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