Israel pushes deeper into Gaza as ceasefire talks stall

Israel has launched a sweeping ground offensive across the Gaza Strip, escalating its military campaign even as indirect negotiations for a ceasefire continue in Qatar.

Late Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a broad evacuation order for several parts of Gaza, describing it as a “final warning” and urging civilians to move westward to the al-Mawasi area — previously designated as a humanitarian safe zone. The military confirmed the start of “extensive ground operations” under a new campaign dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariot, aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure and securing the release of hostages held in the territory.

Strikes were reported in northern areas such as Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp, as well as in Khan Younis in the south. Local health authorities in Gaza reported at least 67 deaths and more than 360 injuries within 24 hours.

Emergency services stated that an overnight strike on the al-Mawasi displacement camp killed 22 people and injured over 100. The camp, considered a safe zone, had become a refuge for many civilians forced from their homes during the conflict.

Residents in southern Gaza described the situation as dire, with constant bombardment and critical shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Humanitarian agencies have expressed deep concern about the deteriorating conditions, warning of potential famine as access to aid remains severely restricted.

Health officials also announced that three public hospitals in northern Gaza are now out of service. One of the facilities, the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, reportedly came under heavy fire from Israeli tanks on Sunday night, leaving dozens of patients and medical personnel trapped inside. Although the tanks eventually withdrew, the damage rendered the hospital largely non-operational.

Israeli forces stated they were targeting Hamas positions near the hospital, but local medics denied the presence of any military activity within the premises. The hospital had not received a formal evacuation warning prior to the strike, according to staff.

In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have also hit major medical facilities in Khan Younis, including the Nasser Medical Complex and the European Hospital. Israel claimed that senior Hamas operatives were using the hospitals as command centers, including Mohammed Sinwar — the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader.

Meanwhile, negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives in Doha have yet to yield a breakthrough. Israeli officials said they are exploring every option for a deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza.

A source familiar with the talks said Hamas has offered to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a comprehensive ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid — terms Israeli negotiators have so far resisted.

The current hostilities resumed on March 18 following the collapse of a fragile two-month truce. Since then, thousands of additional casualties have been reported. According to local health authorities, more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict.

Families of the hostages held in Gaza have voiced growing concern that intensified military action could further endanger their loved ones. A statement from a coalition representing hostage families said that those recently released described worsening conditions, including physical abuse, food deprivation, and harsher confinement linked to the ongoing bombardments.

The war began on October 7, 2023, following a large-scale assault by Hamas on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 250 hostages. As of now, 58 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with around 23 thought to still be alive. With diplomatic talks deadlocked and the humanitarian crisis worsening, the situation on the ground remains critical as both sides brace for what may become a protracted and increasingly devastating conflict.