Trump delivers ultimatum to Hamas concerning captive individuals

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the situation in Gaza City has escalated dramatically over the past few days. The Israeli military has leveled two residential high-rises under the claim that Hamas was using them as observation points. On Sunday, the Israeli air force bombed a Gaza City residential tower, marking the third such attack in as many days. At least 48 people were killed in Sunday's attack, according to the Gaza civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal.

The Israeli military claims that 25 hostages are dead, and Israel is seeking the return of their remains. They believe that 251 hostages were seized during a massive attack on Israel in October 2023, with 47 still believed to be in Gaza. The most recent proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement was sent to Hamas and accepted by them on August 18. It included the release of ten living hostages and the return of ten deceased, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners and about 18 detainees from Gaza, along with a one-day ceasefire to negotiate the release of remaining hostages and an end to the war.

The US President has expressed his involvement in the negotiations, portraying them in a positive light. He stated that "good things could happen." However, he has not disclosed any details about the proposal but has suggested that more information will be shared soon. The US President has also stated that the Israelis have accepted his terms for a ceasefire.

The escalation has fueled fears of a further deterioration in already dire humanitarian conditions for Palestinians living in the area. Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defense agency or the Israeli military.

Hamas has expressed readiness to negotiate following the presentation of some ideas from the American side. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that the military was "deepening" its assault on Gaza City. Netanyahu accused Hamas of trying to prevent evacuations and of using civilians as "human shields," stating that around 100,000 residents had already left Gaza City.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has been devastating. According to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, at least 64,368 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed. The October 7, 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The conflict has sparked international concern and protests. Israeli protesters took to the streets on Saturday to call on their government to reverse the decision to seize Gaza City, fearing for the fate of hostages believed to be held there. A campaign group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has welcomed the US President's latest intervention as a "true breakthrough."

Witness Mohammed Al-Nazli described the strike on the Al-Roya tower as feeling like an earthquake. The situation in Gaza City remains volatile, and negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release continue.