On Wednesday evening, five rockets were fired from northern Gaza at Ashdod, with Hamas later claiming responsibility. Earlier in the week, there were additional rocket launches targeting southern Israel and an aid distribution site. On Thursday, an officer was seriously injured, and two other soldiers were lightly wounded in an attack on an army post in central Gaza. These events occurred while Hamas was considering a US-brokered ceasefire-hostage proposal, which Israel had agreed to.
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As the offensive continues, Israel’s defense minister ordered remaining Gazan residents to evacuate, warning those who stay will be considered militants. At least 21 Palestinians were killed amid ongoing strikes, as Hamas considers a new proposal from President Trump. The plan requires Hamas to release hostages and disarm, with the promise of humanitarian aid and reconstruction, however, Hamas expressed concerns. With the intensified warfare, the International Committee of the Red Cross suspended operations in Gaza City, relocating staff.
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Amidst pressure from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, Hamas is considering US President Trump’s proposed ceasefire deal, though reports suggest the group views it as unjust. The deal, endorsed by Israel, includes a three-phase withdrawal, hostage release, and prisoner exchange, as well as the demilitarization of Gaza. While the proposal enjoys widespread international support, including from Russia and the Vatican, Hamas is reportedly hesitant due to concerns about its terms and potential for “foreign control,” with the group possibly seeking adjustments. Anti-Israel groups in the US have strongly denounced the plan, viewing it as a blueprint for surrender and occupation, while Hamas has been given approximately two days to respond.
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Hamas is expected to reject the Trump administration’s peace plan for Gaza. A Hamas official informed the BBC that the plan prioritizes Israeli interests while disregarding the needs of the Palestinian people. This stance suggests a likely impasse in negotiations, as the group views the proposal as unfavorable to their objectives. The official’s statement indicates Hamas’s firm opposition to the plan.
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Israeli envoy Danny Danon warned that if Hamas rejects the Trump peace plan for Gaza, Israel would be prepared to take further action. He made this statement at a UN event commemorating the upcoming second anniversary of the Hamas attack that initiated the war in the Palestinian enclave. This threat implies potential escalation of conflict should Hamas refuse to negotiate. Danon’s remarks highlight the complex political tensions and the potential consequences of continued disagreement regarding the future of Gaza.
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A senior Hamas official has stated that the group is likely to reject the Trump peace plan for Gaza, as it is perceived to prioritize Israel’s interests and neglect Palestinian needs. Key concerns include the requirement to disarm and hand over hostages, which are seen as detrimental to their bargaining position. The group also objects to the potential deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, viewing it as a form of occupation. Furthermore, statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the plan, appear to contradict the framework’s stipulations.
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Hamas and other Palestinian factions are considering President Trump’s 20-point peace proposal presented alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, prisoner exchanges, increased aid, and an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international board, with Israel maintaining security control. Key Arab nations, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have voiced support for the plan, emphasizing the importance of partnership with the United States. The Palestinian Authority also supports the proposal, which would allow them to regain control of Gaza once reforms are implemented.
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During the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, several women have reported being exploited by local men, some connected to aid groups, who offered food, money, or jobs in exchange for sexual interactions. Six women shared their experiences, detailing instances where they were promised aid or employment and then coerced into sexual encounters. Aid organizations acknowledge a rise in such exploitation, particularly as hunger and desperation increase, though the scale is difficult to determine due to underreporting and the challenges of documenting cases amidst the ongoing war. The Women’s Affairs Center and the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse network confirmed they were aware of the reports.
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During a White House announcement, President Trump incorrectly pronounced the name of the Abraham Accords, a 2020 agreement, and insisted his pronunciation was the correct one. He stated that the name was, “Abraaaham,” even though the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, gently corrected him, using the original Hebrew pronunciation of, “Avraham.” Despite the pronunciation error, Trump proceeded to announce his plan to end the war in Gaza, claiming Israel had agreed to it, and that he would be heading the, “Board of Peace.”
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During a joint press conference, President Trump confirmed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s agreement to the US peace plan. Trump stated that if Hamas rejects the proposal, Israel would have the US’s full backing to act. This announcement reflects a significant development in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Details of the specific plan and Israel’s potential actions were not immediately clarified.
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John Q. Hosedrinker