Israel Continues Gaza Offensive Despite Trump's Ceasefire Call
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's call for an immediate halt to the assault, Israel has continued its military operations in the Gaza Strip, with stated defensive strikes causing extensive damage and loss of life.
The Background
The Israeli government had initially ordered a halt to the offensive in Gaza following Hamas's agreement to President Trump's plan to end the two-year conflict, according to Israeli Army Radio. This decision was reportedly made after consultations with U.S. authorities and was prompted by Hamas's promise to release all Israeli captives. However, despite this agreement, Israeli bombardments have continued, causing significant civilian displacement and destruction of residential areas.
The Offensive Continues
Reports from multiple sources including Al Jazeera English, Al-Quds News, and Middle East Eye indicate that Israeli airstrikes have continued to hit Gaza City and other areas of the Strip, even after Trump's cease-fire demand. According to the Gaza Civil Defense agency, dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling have been carried out by Israel, resulting in significant destruction and civilian casualties. An Al-Quds News tweet showed images of nonstop Israeli airstrikes hitting residential areas in the middle of the night, forcing Palestinians to evacuate their homes.
International Response and Ongoing Negotiations
Despite the ongoing attacks, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced a switch to defensive operations only, as per Clarin's report. In contrast, Deutsche Welle and the Middle East Eye reported Israel's continuous attacks, highlighting the divergent narratives surrounding the issue.
The U.S. has played a prominent role in trying to mediate the situation, with President Trump urging Hamas to quickly release captives and finalize negotiations over his plan to end the war, as reported by The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera English.
The Gaza Peace Plan
Amid these developments, the U.S. has unveiled a controversial 20-point peace proposal, aimed at halting the conflict and initiating extensive reconstruction in Gaza. The plan demands a ceasefire, the release of hostages, staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament and the formation of a transitional government led by an international body.
However, the plan has been met with skepticism and apprehension from various quarters. While Israel has endorsed the proposal, Hamas has reportedly been deliberating over it. Iran's Tehran Times referred to it as a disaster plot,
and Al-Quds News called it a mandate.
Meanwhile, the White House has warned Hamas of tragic
consequences if it does not accept the proposal.
Conclusion
As the situation stands, the Gaza Strip remains a battlefield despite international efforts to broker peace. Amid the ongoing conflict, the fate of the U.S. peace plan hangs in the balance, with the world closely watching Hamas's response.