Escalating Conflict: Israel Intensifies Siege on Gaza City Amid Hamas's Review of Peace Proposal

Sat Jan 03 2026 03:50:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Israel's defense minister announced a tightening of the siege around Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate as hospitals report rising casualties. This development comes as Hamas contemplates a new peace plan proposed by the U.S.

Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza City, extending a siege that has led to significant casualties among civilians. This escalation coincides with Hamas reviewing a proposed U.S. peace plan, which it is likely to reject. Amid growing humanitarian concerns, the International Committee of the Red Cross has suspended operations in the area, citing dire conditions and rising fatalities. Israeli officials maintain that the military offensive aims to dismantle Hamas's presence and secure the release of hostages.

Israel's defense minister has stated that its forces are tightening the siege around Gaza City by extending a military corridor towards the coast. Minister Israel Katz also issued a final warning to the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still in the city to evacuate southwards, claiming that anyone remaining would be viewed as terrorists and supporters of terror.

Hospitals in Gaza City reported that at least 45 individuals were killed due to Israeli fire on Wednesday, while the International Committee of the Red Cross announced it was forced to suspend its operations in the area, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis.

As Israeli military actions ramp up, Hamas is reportedly evaluating a new U.S. peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Mediators from Arab countries and Turkey are pushing for a positive response, although a senior Hamas official indicated that the group is likely to reject the proposal.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have referred to Gaza City as Hamas's last stronghold and indicated that the offensive aims to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by the group. Katz revealed to Israeli media that the IDF is closing in on what is referred to as the Netzarim corridor, a critical military zone along Gaza.

He emphasized that the ongoing military activities are aimed at isolating Hamas in Gaza City. The Red Cross reiterated its concerns, citing international humanitarian laws that mandate the protection of civilians, regardless of their decisions to stay or evacuate.

Reports show a massive displacement crisis, with about 800,000 residents having fled Gaza City since August; however, there are continued disputes regarding the actual number of displaced individuals.

While medics reported numerous casualties, including an alarming number of deaths at medical facilities, Israeli forces defended their actions by asserting they targeted Hamas operatives, claiming measures were taken to minimize civilian harm.

As peace negotiations unfold amidst escalating violence, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, exacerbated by the blockade and military operations linked to the ongoing conflict.