Escalating Conflict in Gaza: Israel Tightens Siege Amid Peace Plan Negotiations

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:30:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The situation in Gaza City intensifies as Israel expands its siege, urging residents to evacuate while Hamas considers a controversial peace proposal from the United States.

Israel's defense minister announced a tightening of the siege around Gaza City as military operations escalate against Hamas. Reports indicate heavy casualties among civilians, while hospitals face dire conditions and the International Committee of the Red Cross suspends its operations. As peace negotiations are underway involving a plan proposed by U.S. President Trump, Hamas appears likely to reject the terms, adding further tension to the ongoing conflict.

Israel's defence minister has said its forces are tightening the siege around Gaza City by extending its control of a military corridor across the territory towards the coast.

Isael Katz also issued a final warning to the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the city to evacuate southwards, saying that those who remain during the offensive against Hamas would be terrorists and supporters of terror.

Hospitals reported that 45 people had been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza City on Wednesday, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that it had been forced to suspend operations there.

Israel is stepping up the assault as Hamas weighs its response to US President Donald Trump's new plan to end the war.

Arab and Turkish mediators are understood to be pressing for a positive response, but a senior Hamas figure has indicated that the group is likely to reject it.

The IDF has described Gaza City as Hamas's last stronghold and stated that the offensive aims to secure the release of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, and ensure the group's decisive defeat.

Israel's defence minister has reiterated that the IDF is currently completing the capture of the Netzarim corridor to the western coast of Gaza.

This will tighten the siege around Gaza City, and anyone leaving it south will be forced to pass through the IDF's checkpoints, said Katz.

The ICRC has stressed the need for protection under international humanitarian law, advocating for civilians' safety whether they stay or leave Gaza City.

The intensification of military operations has led the ICRC to halt its activities in Gaza City due to severely deteriorating conditions faced by civilians.

The situation has resulted in a wave of displacement, with many people unable to flee due to various obstacles, and those who complied with evacuation orders often finding inadequate shelter elsewhere.

Israel's government approved military action in Gaza following the breakdown of peace discussions, as US pressure mounts on Hamas to accept Trump's proposed plan, which offers a three-day ultimatum for acceptance or face severe consequences.