Israeli officials to hold ceasefire talks in Washington amid military escalation in Gaza

 

Heavy Israeli airstrikes and tank operations rocked northern and southern Gaza on Tuesday, with Shejaia, Zeitoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah hit especially hard. Gaza’s health authorities reported at least 112 Palestinians killed and more than 400 wounded in just 24 hours, while several clusters of homes were flattened. As Israel pushes deeper into Gaza City from the east, it issued new evacuation orders, leading thousands to flee once again.

Residents like Ismail from Sheikh Radwan described chaotic scenes with newly displaced families setting up tents in the streets after being forced out of their homes. The sounds of constant tank fire and aerial bombardment have made it nearly impossible to sleep. Many say the humanitarian situation is worsening by the day as infrastructure collapses and safe shelter becomes scarce.

This military escalation follows a broader conflict that began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack, killing 1,200 people in Israel and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli retaliation has resulted in over 56,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million people has been displaced, with the region now facing a dire humanitarian crisis.

Despite global pressure, there has been no immediate response from the Israeli military about the latest strikes, and prospects for peace remain slim as ground operations expand in several parts of Gaza.

See also: Twelve days in Gaza: what happened while the world looked away?

While fighting intensifies in Gaza, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermeran ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuis in Washington to discuss a possible ceasefire and broader regional issues. Dermer’s visit includes meetings at the White House and comes as Israel hints at seeking new diplomatic solutions following its recent conflict with Iran.

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans to visit the United States next week, with a meeting scheduled with former President Donald Trump on July 7. Israeli and U.S. officials say the leaders will discuss Gaza, Iran, Syria, and regional challenges. Dermer’s presence in Washington suggests Israel is exploring not only a ceasefire in Gaza but also possible strategic agreements in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Hamas remains firm on its condition that it will release all hostages only in exchange for an agreement that ends the war entirely. Israel has rejected this demand, insisting that hostages must be freed first and that Hamas must be disarmed and removed from power in Gaza before any end to the conflict is possible.

Ceasefire talks had previously stalled after a six-week truce earlier in the year, and though mediators from Qatar and Egypt have resumed contacts with both sides, no new round of negotiations has been scheduled.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri has called on the U.S. to take responsibility for ending the war, saying American pressure on Israel is crucial for peace. However, the gap between the two sides' demands remains wide, and without serious concessions, a truce appears far off.

As diplomacy plays out in Washington, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to mount, raising urgent calls for international action to stop the fighting.