Israel Intensifies Gaza City Siege Amid Ongoing Hostilities

Tue Oct 21 2025 07:12:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli forces continue to tighten their siege around Gaza City as the conflict escalates, coinciding with Hamas's deliberation over a proposed peace plan from the U.S.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced a tightening of the siege around Gaza City, urging Palestinians to evacuate south or be considered supporters of terrorism. Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly reviewing a U.S. peace proposal, which has garnered mixed reactions domestically and internationally. The ongoing military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns, with the International Committee of the Red Cross suspending its services in the area due to escalating violence.

Israeli forces are reportedly tightening the siege surrounding Gaza City, having extended a military corridor towards the coast, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. He issued a final warning to the hundreds of thousands remaining in the city to evacuate south, stating that those who remain during the offensive against Hamas would be deemed 'terrorists and supporters of terror.'

Gaza’s hospitals indicated a grim toll, citing 45 fatalities attributable to Israeli fire on Wednesday alone, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced the suspension of operations due to deteriorating safety conditions.

As the Israeli military escalates its strikes, Hamas is reportedly weighing its response to a newly proposed peace plan by the U.S. The proposal includes terms for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the disarmament of the group. However, a senior Hamas official indicated the likelihood of its rejection, characterizing the plan as serving Israeli interests.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have labeled Gaza City as Hamas’s 'last stronghold' and stated that the offensive aims to secure the release of hostages and ensure a decisive victory over Hamas.

International organizations, including the ICRC, reiterated the obligation to protect civilians under international humanitarian law, highlighting the dire humanitarian needs arising from the escalation of military actions.

Additionally, the evacuation efforts have been met with significant challenges; many residents lack transport and resources to escape to designated humanitarian areas, with reports indicating overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in these regions that are also vulnerable to Israeli attacks.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in an alarmingly high death toll, with reports indicating that at least 66,148 individuals have been killed in Israeli attacks since the escalation began, emphasising the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing hostilities.