Building in Gaza City demolished; residents warned to evacuate by Israeli authorities
In the heart of the ongoing conflict, the White House announced on Friday that President Trump stated the United States was in talks with Hamas. This development comes as the UN estimates nearly one million people remain in and around Gaza City, with the UN warning of a looming "disaster" if the assault proceeds.
The Israeli military has been increasing its air strikes and ground operations on Gaza City's outskirts, causing concern about worsening conditions. On Saturday, Israeli aircraft dropped thousands of leaflets in western neighborhoods of Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate. However, Gaza City residents believe it makes little difference whether they stay or flee due to ongoing violence and uncertainty.
One building that was reportedly destroyed is the Sussi residential tower. Witnesses identified it as the target of an Israeli military strike, claiming Hamas was using it for military purposes. In response, Hamas has condemned the attack and denied using residential or civilian buildings for military purposes.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order for another high-rise, warning of an imminent strike and urging people to move to Al-Mawasi, a safe zone on the Mediterranean coast. However, Israel has carried out repeated strikes on Al-Mawasi since the war began, targeting Hamas.
The Israeli military has requested precise timeframes and coordinates to investigate the reports of civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the Israeli military struck a Gaza City high-rise on Saturday, claiming Hamas was using it for monitoring Israeli troops.
The US government is engaged in months-long negotiations with Hamas over the captives being held in Gaza. The US proposal includes the release of all living hostages within the first 48 hours after a ceasefire takes effect, in exchange for Israel stopping its military offensive in Gaza. Subsequent negotiations would address conditions for ending the war, including Israel's demand for complete disarmament of Hamas and Hamas's demand for full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday evening to call for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. In Tel Aviv, protesters unfurled a massive banner saying: "President Trump, save the hostages now!" The Israeli military says 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 believed to be dead.
The new head of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, wrapped up a visit to Israel on Saturday. The visit comes as the US continues its negotiations with Hamas, aiming to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Amidst the chaos, the Gaza civil defense agency reported that 56 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire during the day, including 19 near an aid distribution center in the north.
Nafez Anis, a resident of Gaza City, has received the leaflet but is not planning to leave due to lack of safe alternatives. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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