Increased Tensions in Gaza: The Ongoing Siege and Reactions to Trump’s Peace Proposal

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:38:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israel tightens its military operations in Gaza City while Hamas considers a new peace plan proposed by former President Trump. The situation for civilians remains dire as humanitarian organizations face operational challenges amidst the conflict.

Israel's defense minister announced the tightening of the military siege in Gaza City, signaling an escalation in operations against Hamas. With hospitals reporting casualties and humanitarian groups halting operations, tensions mount as Hamas deliberates over President Trump's proposed peace plan. The situation for civilians remains precarious, with international humanitarian laws being challenged amidst the conflict.

Israel's defence minister has stated that its forces are 'tightening the siege' around Gaza City by expanding military control across the territory. Minister Israel Katz warned hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the area to evacuate southward, labeling those who remain as 'terrorists and supporters of terror.'

Recent reports indicate that over 45 individuals have been killed in Gaza City due to Israeli attacks, leading the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to suspend its operations, citing severe dangers to civilian safety.

The military escalation coincides with ongoing evaluations by Hamas regarding a new peace proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some Arab and Turkish mediators urging Hamas for a favorable reply, yet a senior member of the group has suggested it is likely to be rejected as it aligns too closely with Israeli interests.

According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Gaza City is considered Hamas's 'last stronghold,' and the offensive seeks to both secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and significantly weaken the group. The IDF's operations are said to prevail at full strength, tightening the siege and controlling exits from Gaza City through military checkpoints.

The ICRC has reiterated the importance of protecting civilians under international law while calling on Israel to fulfill its obligations as the occupying power. The organization has been forced to suspend its operations in Gaza City due to escalating military operations and dire conditions for civilians.

Medics confirmed that of the casualties reported from Wednesday's offensive, 29 were transported to al-Ahli hospital in the southern neighborhood of Zeitoun. While responding to an Israeli strike, paramedics encountered a deadly attack by Israeli forces, raising concerns for the safety of humanitarian workers in the area.

As evacuations from Gaza City continue, the UN reports about 397,000 individuals have relocated to southern Gaza, although hundreds of thousands remain trapped, facing high costs and repeated displacements.

Israeli officials have indicated that plans for the military offensive were spurred by failed talks regarding an earlier peace proposal, while ongoing international discussions seek to address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the conflict.