Israel on Sunday issued fresh evacuation orders for northern Gaza, warning of expanded military operations against Hamas, as former U.S. President Donald Trump called for a ceasefire and hostage deal amid new mediation efforts.
“Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, urging an end to the 20-month-old war.
The Israeli military directed residents in parts of Gaza City and Jabalia to move south toward Al-Mawasi, a zone designated by Israel as “humanitarian.” But Palestinian officials and the U.N. say no area in Gaza is truly safe.
“The IDF is operating with extreme force and will escalate toward the city center to dismantle terrorist infrastructure,” the army said, as airstrikes early Sunday destroyed homes in Jabalia, killing at least six people, according to medics. Another five died in a strike on a tent area in Khan Younis.
The evacuation orders come as Arab mediators—Egypt and Qatar—resume ceasefire talks with U.S. backing. A Hamas official told Reuters the group is open to negotiations, but reiterated demands that Israel fully withdraw from Gaza and end its offensive.
Israel, meanwhile, insists the war will only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled.
The latest escalation follows Israel and the U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear sites earlier this month, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.
Since the war began in October 2023 with a Hamas assault that killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages, Israel’s retaliation has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly all 2.3 million residents, and left Gaza in humanitarian collapse.