Key Points
- Trump has issued “last warning” to Hamas to accept a ceasefire and hostage deal.
- Israel is considering the proposal seriously, according to Israeli media reports.
- Fighting has escalated in Gaza City and civilians are being ordered to evacuate.
US President Donald Trump has issued what he described as his “last warning” to Hamas, pressing the Palestinian militant group to accept a new ceasefire and hostage deal.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one."-
Israel’s N12 News reported that Trump has presented Hamas with a fresh proposal. Under the plan, all 48 remaining hostages in Gaza would be released on the first day of a truce.
In exchange, Israel would free thousands of Palestinian prisoners and agree to hold negotiations aimed at ending the war permanently. An Israeli official confirmed the proposal was under serious consideration, though gave no further details.
Credit: Truth Social
Intensified fighting in Gaza City
Israeli forces have now advanced to the outskirts of Gaza City, only a few kilometres from the centre. Over the weekend, residents received evacuation warnings for high-rise buildings Israel claimed were being used by Hamas.
Local health officials reported that 14 people were killed overnight, including several who had taken shelter inside a school.
The military said its strike had targeted a Hamas militant and that civilians were warned in advance.
Hamas rejected claims that it uses residential buildings as military bases.
Tens of thousands of civilians remaining in Gaza City have been ordered to move south. Many are heading to Khan Younis, where vast numbers are already crammed into makeshift encampments along the coast.
"We want a ceasefire before Gaza City is turned into ruins like Rafah," said resident Emad, who declined to give his surname. "How long is this going to go on? How many lives are going to be wasted? Enough is enough."
The war has grown increasingly unpopular among Israelis too. On Saturday night, tens of thousands of protesters joined families of hostages at rallies, calling for an end to the war and demanding the release of the hostages.
Of the 48 hostages thought still to be in Gaza, about 20 are believed to remain alive.
