Israel has escalated air and ground strikes in northern Gaza ahead of key White House talks aimed at ending the 20-month war. Palestinians reported the most intense night of bombing in weeks, hours before Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is due to visit Washington, "Reuters".
Israeli forces entered the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City with tanks and bombed at least four schools where hundreds of families were hiding, ordering them to leave. At least 25 people, including 10 in Zeitoun, were killed in Monday's strikes, Palestinian health officials said.
The massive destruction and evacuation orders cover vast areas in the north where the army has already been operating. The military says its aim is to eliminate Hamas fighters hiding among civilians in Gaza City. Israel has not commented on the specific strikes, and Hamas denies using civilians as shields.
Amid mounting international pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a "Gaza deal" and the release of hostages. Dermer is expected to discuss with U.S. officials not only the ceasefire but also issues such as Iran and future diplomatic arrangements in the region. At the same time, Israel's security cabinet is preparing to consider the next steps in the conflict.
The Israeli army chief said on Friday that the ground operation was nearing its final goals. On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu mentioned new options for rescuing the hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
According to Egyptian and Palestinian sources, mediators from Qatar and Egypt are stepping up their efforts, but no date has been set for a new round of talks. Hamas is demanding a complete cessation of hostilities and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Israel rejects that condition until Hamas is disarmed.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. Since then, the Israeli offensive has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians and led to a humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave of 2.3 million people. According to the United Nations, more than 80% of Gaza is under Israeli militarization or evacuation orders.