Israel Warns Hamas as Gaza Bombings Escalate
Israel Issues Final Warning to Hamas as Gaza Bombings Intensify
Gaza City — The Israeli military has ramped up airstrikes around Gaza City, signaling an imminent attempt to capture the area in its ongoing effort to defeat Hamas after nearly two years of conflict.
On Sunday, at least 48 people were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, with another 10 casualties reported overnight around Gaza City, according to the local civil defence agency.
Hamas, whose surprise October 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war, responded to former US President Donald Trump’s comments by saying it was ready for immediate negotiations. However, the terms it proposed largely mirror previous rounds of talks.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Hamas on X, saying, “Release the hostages and put down your weapons — or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be annihilated.” He added, “Today, a massive hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City and the roofs of the terror towers will tremble,” noting that the military was “preparing to expand” its operations.
Although Israel has not formally announced the start of its ground offensive in Gaza City, it bombed a third high-rise in as many days on Sunday, claiming the building was used by Hamas to monitor Israeli troop movements. Hamas has denied using residential buildings for military purposes.
Trump also weighed in, calling it a “last warning” to Hamas to accept a deal for releasing hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks. Israeli authorities say 47 hostages remain in Gaza, with 25 believed to be dead. “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well,” Trump said, warning of consequences if the group does not comply.
Hamas Ready to Negotiate
Shortly after Trump’s statement, Hamas expressed willingness to “immediately sit at the negotiating table,” referencing ideas from the United States aimed at achieving a ceasefire. The group called for a “clear declaration of the end of the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of an independent Palestinian committee to manage Gaza.”
Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week. While details have not been made public, Trump suggested progress is being made, telling reporters, “I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon.”
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