Trump suggests potential deaths of hostages in Gaza, as Israel urges Palestinians to evacuate the largest city in the Gaza enclave
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions remain high as both sides continue to clash in Gaza City.
Protesters have gathered near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem, calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza. The number of hostages reportedly held by Hamas and its allies is 47, with 27 believed to be deceased.
US President Donald Trump has been actively involved in the situation, warning of a "tough situation" if a hostage deal is not secured. He has spoken to families of the hostages still being held in Gaza and made comments suggesting that probably fewer than 20 of the remaining hostages are still alive.
However, the mass evacuation of Gaza City has been met with resistance. As of Wednesday, only 70,000 Palestinians had evacuated Gaza City out of approximately one million people, making up less than 10% of the total population. Many residents, like one who stated, "I am staying in my home and will not be displaced again, until my last breath, even if it means death, because we are exhausted from displacement," are resistant to evacuation.
The Israeli military has expanded its military operations in Gaza City and now controls 40% of the enclave's largest city. The Mawasi area has been declared a humanitarian zone by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.
In a turn of events, Hamas has accepted a 60-day temporary ceasefire offer, during which 10 of the living hostages would be returned in exchange for a mass release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel has not responded to the ceasefire offer, demanding that Hamas disarm completely.
The International Red Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called the mass evacuation of Gaza "unfeasible and incomprehensible." The situation is further complicated by the fact that Trump stated some of the 20 hostages presumed to be alive in Gaza may have recently died, but he did not reveal the source of this information.
Trump also mentioned that Hamas is asking for "some things that are fine," but did not specify what those requests are. The US President has been in "deep negotiations with Hamas" to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.
Israeli strikes on Gaza City have intensified, with Trump stating October 7 in his remarks but not specifying what event occurred on that date. Amidst the ongoing conflict, both sides continue to seek a peaceful resolution while maintaining their positions.
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