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As Israel tightens its grip militarily, Hamas is deliberating over a 20-point peace framework unveiled by Donald Trump earlier this week.
Smoke rises following an Israeli military strike in Gaza City. (AP Photo)
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the army is “tightening the siege” around Gaza City, cutting it off from the rest of the territory as the military offensive against Hamas intensifies. The announcement came as Hamas suggested it may reject a new US peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump, raising doubts over a potential breakthrough.
What Israel Said On Its Plan For Gaza?
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Israel Katz said that the Netzarim corridor- a military road stretching east to west across Gaza- had been extended to the Mediterranean coast. He said the move effectively sealed Gaza City- which Israel describes as Hamas’s “last stronghold.”
“This will tighten the siege around Gaza City, and anyone leaving it south will be forced to pass through the IDF’s checkpoints,” he said, warning that residents who did not evacuate would be considered “terrorists and supporters of terror.”
Why Hamas Is Likely To Reject Trump Peace Plan?
As Israel tightens its grip militarily, Hamas is deliberating over a 20-point peace framework unveiled by Donald Trump earlier this week. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that the group had “serious concerns” about the deal, which demands Hamas disarm and dismantle its weapons stockpile and accept the deployment of an International Stabilization Force inside Gaza.
Hamas has not issued a formal response but Israel accepted the plan as Donald Trump described the deal as a potential breakthrough. The US President warned Hamas has only “three or four days” to agree or face what he called “a very sad end.”
The plan calls for an immediate cease-fire, the release of all remaining hostages, a phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas’s complete disarmament and the creation of a transitional government led by an international body. Hamas has indicated willingness to discuss some provisions but has consistently rejected disarmament without guarantees of Palestinian statehood.
What Has Been Mediators’ Role So Far?
Arab and Turkish mediators are pressing Hamas to give a positive response as diplomats told the Wall Street Journal that Hamas appeared open in principle but asked for more time, citing fears the framework had loopholes that would allow Israel to easily resume military operations.
What’s Currently Going On In Gaza?
Civilians in Gaza City remain trapped as the IDF said 250,000–350,000 people remain in the city. Aid agencies warned that many cannot flee due to poverty, lack of transport and the dire conditions in overcrowded camps in the south. The ICRC said civilians are “being killed, forcibly displaced and made to endure dire conditions,” adding that under international law Israel must ensure their protection whether they evacuate or stay.
Israel
October 01, 2025, 22:40 IST
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