Hamas is urged to yield by Israel's foreign minister, as Israeli military intensifies bombardment on Gaza

In the heart of the Middle East, the Gaza Strip continues to face a tumultuous period. The largest urban centre in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge, has become the focus of intense military operations by Israel.

The Israeli military has carried out strikes in Gaza City, targeting what they claim to be a Hamas militant. However, the operations have also resulted in civilian casualties, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians facing the threat of famine, according to a global hunger monitor.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to take control of Gaza City. The military has also accused Hamas of using two high-rise buildings as bases, an accusation the militant group denies. Over the weekend, these buildings were destroyed, leaving thousands of displaced Palestinians homeless.

The hostage crisis in Gaza has been a significant concern. As of now, 48 hostages are still being held by Hamas, following an attack on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage. Israeli officials believe around 20 of the hostages are still alive.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resulted in the release of several hostages. Hamas has offered to release more hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. However, Hamas has refused to discuss disarmament.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Hamas to surrender and release all hostages to end the war. Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has urged Israel to "change course" and stop its military campaign.

The situation has prompted widespread protests. Tens of thousands of protesters, including families of hostages, have taken to the streets, calling for an end to the war and the release of the captives.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly in "very deep" negotiations with Hamas, although details of these negotiations remain unclear.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, life in Gaza City continues to be a struggle for its residents. Many Palestinians have refused to leave Gaza City, having already been displaced several times since the war started. Others have moved south, where they are sheltering in cramped tent encampments along the coast.

The military continues to operate against terrorist organisations in the Gaza Strip, aiming to remove any threat to Israeli civilians. However, the future of Gaza City and its inhabitants remains uncertain, as the conflict continues.