As Trump Talks Peace In New York, Israeli Tanks Push Deeper Into Gaza City

The Israeli government has instructed Gaza City residents to evacuate southward.

Gaza:

Israeli military forces advanced toward Gaza City's center on Wednesday, endangering Palestinians who remained in their homes, hoping that increasing international pressure for a ceasefire would allow them to avoid displacement.

At the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump engaged in discussions with leaders from Muslim nations, which according to Emirati state news agency WAM, centered on ending the conflict.

Trump, who previously criticized nations that recognized a Palestinian state as a means to pressure Israel, indicated that meetings with Israeli representatives would follow.

While the Israeli government has directed Gaza City inhabitants to move southward, many have hesitated due to security concerns and widespread food scarcity in southern areas. "We relocated to the western coastal area, but numerous families were caught off guard by the tanks," explained Thaer, a 35-year-old father from Tel Al-Hawa.

AIRSTRIKES HIT SHELTER

Israeli forces, which began encircling the city of over one million residents in August, have continued their offensive despite international calls for cessation, with the government maintaining its objective to eliminate Hamas militants' final stronghold following their 2023 attack on Israel and hostage-taking.

Medical personnel reported at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries when Israeli airstrikes targeted a shelter housing displaced families near a central city market. Two additional casualties occurred in a nearby residence, according to medics.

The Israeli military stated they were investigating reports about the shelter attack, where Reuters footage showed people searching through debris.

"We were asleep, completely unprepared—they gave no warning or notification—it happened suddenly," said Sami Hajjaj. "There are children and women, approximately 200 people, six or seven families, this entire area is filled with families," he added.

In the Tel Al-Hawa suburb, tanks entered residential zones, trapping residents in their homes, while additional tanks were positioned near Al-Quds Hospital. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported damage to an oxygen facility.

Tanks have also moved closer to Al Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, according to witnesses and Hamas media.

On Monday, Palestinian authorities reported that tank shelling had damaged Rantissi Hospital and endangered the nearby Al-Naser eye hospital, forcing closures. Jordan, which operates a third hospital in the area, relocated its facility southward due to continuous bombardment.

The Israeli military asserted its commitment to facilitating medical services and healthcare operations in Gaza, noting that staff and patients from Al-Naser and Rantissi had evacuated voluntarily.

Hundreds of thousands have fled northern Gaza City southward in recent weeks, though many remain, citing the absence of safe alternatives.

Seven people were killed in Nuseirat and near Rafah in southern Gaza, according to medical sources. The Israeli military, which maintains its operations target Hamas governance in the enclave, did not immediately comment.

Israel has faced widespread international criticism regarding its military conduct in Gaza, where Palestinian health authorities report over 65,000 fatalities, predominantly civilians, with famine conditions spreading.

International frustration over the Gaza conflict prompted several Israeli and U.S. allies to recognize Palestinian statehood this week. Support for the war within Israel has also diminished, with 48 hostages—20 believed to be alive—still held by Hamas in Gaza and 465 soldiers killed in combat.

Hamas has confirmed some military leadership casualties but has not disclosed fighter death tolls. The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack into Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.