**Gaza on the Brink: Israel Orders Evacuations and Trump Pushes for Ceasefire**
The situation in Gaza has taken a dire turn as Israel’s military operations intensify, with residents of northern Gaza being ordered to evacuate their homes. The US President, Donald Trump, is meanwhile pressing for a ceasefire agreement, urging all parties to “make a deal” and “get the hostages returned”.
**Death Toll Mounts**
At least 86 people have died in Israeli attacks on Gaza over the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. This brings the total death toll since October’s Hamas attack on Israel to over 56,500 Palestinians. The violence has claimed a civilian life in northern Gaza, with five members of the Maarouf Family, including three children, killed by an Israeli air strike.
**Evacuations and Destruction**
Residents of Gaza City and Jabalia have been instructed to move southwards towards the coastal area al-Mawasi, which was previously considered a “safe area”. However, this designation has proven false, with several houses destroyed in recent military bombardments. The destruction is a stark reminder that no part of Gaza is truly safe from Israel’s military might.
**Trump’s Intervention**
US President Trump has been vocal in his calls for a ceasefire agreement, stating on Saturday that he hoped to see “a deal” in the coming week. He also pressed for the release of hostages held by Hamas, claiming that a “victory” against Iran would open up new possibilities for resolving the conflict.
**Netanyahu’s Plans**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also made clear his intentions, telling Shin Bet that a “victory” against Iran would allow them to “defeat Hamas” and rescue hostages. However, these plans remain stalled, with negotiations between Israel and Hamas at an impasse.
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with UN agencies condemning the Israeli blockade of aid deliveries into the territory. The partial easing of this blockade has created a US-backed and Israeli-backed aid organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is accused of inefficiency and corruption.
**Commentary**
As the situation in Gaza spirals out of control, it’s clear that the international community must take swift action to prevent further devastation. The humanitarian crisis requires an immediate response, with all parties working together to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The calls for a ceasefire agreement are welcome, but they must be backed up by concrete actions on the ground. The world cannot afford to stand idly by as Gaza teeters on the brink of collapse.
**What’s Next?**
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the international community will come together to prevent further disaster in Gaza. One thing is certain: the people of Gaza deserve a better future, free from the cycles of violence and destruction that have plagued their territory for far too long.
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