Israel has intensified its ground invasion and aerial bombardment of Gaza, continuing attacks on civilian infrastructure even as peace talks – proposed by US President Donald Trump – are underway.
At least 51 people were killed on Wednesday as Israeli forces launched a major offensive across several areas of Gaza City.
The assault escalated as Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a warning urging residents to evacuate to southern Gaza. “This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City,” the defence ministry said in a statement released to Israeli media.
Despite the peace initiative, Israeli forces have continued to target densely populated civilian areas, including hospitals, shelters, schools, and residential buildings. The attacks have forced tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee south — many of whom were reportedly killed or injured during the evacuation.
Among the targeted sites was Al-Falah School in the Zeitoun neighbourhood, which had been converted into a shelter for hundreds of displaced civilians. Two missiles struck the school on Wednesday, causing significant casualties.
Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani expressed hope that the US-brokered peace plan could halt the violence and prevent further displacement.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, he said, “Everyone agreed on stopping the war, preventing displacement and ensuring the full withdrawal of the Israeli army. These are the three main, pivotal matters.”
He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to the terms of Trump’s proposal and that Doha was actively negotiating with Hamas. “The direct responsible party for managing Gaza should be the Palestinian people themselves,” he stated, while acknowledging there are still “practical and implementation challenges” to be resolved.
Under the proposed plan, all Israeli hostages would be released within 72 hours of acceptance, and Israel would free approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas would be disarmed and excluded from governance in Gaza, with amnesty granted to its members.
In related developments, the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, reported a confrontation with an Israeli naval vessel.
According to organizers, the flotilla’s lead ship, Alma, was “aggressively circled” by an Israeli warship and lost communication for several minutes. Despite the encounter, the flotilla remains on course.
Israel has previously blocked two similar aid missions by sea in June and July.
