Intensification of Israeli measures in Gaza City, while Trump considers post-conflict strategy

The Middle East is witnessing a tense standoff as mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, await a response from Israel regarding a ceasefire proposal and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The conflict, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has stated will end in Gaza, has led to intense operations by the Israeli military around Gaza City. The military has approved a plan to seize Gaza City and has authorized the call-up of approximately 60,000 reservists.

Meanwhile, Palestinian militant group Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal that would see the staggered release of hostages over an initial 60-day period in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This deal, which is yet to receive an official response from Israel, would mark a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict.

The situation in Gaza City is dire, with residents of the Zeitoun neighborhood experiencing heavy bombardment overnight. Abdel Hamid al-Sayfi, a resident, has not ventured outdoors since Tuesday afternoon due to drone fire. Tala al-Khatib, another resident, reported warplanes striking several times and drones firing throughout the night.

The United Nations has officially declared a famine in the Gaza governorate, including Gaza City, blaming it on "systematic obstruction of aid" by Israel. This declaration underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In an effort to move towards a peaceful resolution, President Donald Trump is preparing to host a White House meeting on post-war plans for Gaza. Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced a detailed plan for post-war Gaza will be discussed at the meeting, chaired by the president, on Wednesday.

Netanyahu, however, has been tight-lipped about the details of the security cabinet meeting, choosing not to discuss what was decided. He did, however, order immediate talks aimed at securing the release of all remaining captives and doubled down on the plan to seize Gaza City.

Amidst the ongoing operations, tens of thousands of protesters massed in commercial hub Tel Aviv to demand an end to the war and a deal to return the hostages. The fate of the ceasefire proposal and hostage release deal hangs in the balance as the world watches and hopes for a peaceful resolution.

Intensification of Israeli measures in Gaza City, while Trump considers post-conflict strategy