Israel's defense minister has declared a tightening of the siege around Gaza City, extending military operations and urging residents to evacuate southward. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) aim to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages, with reports indicating that 45 people were killed in recent strikes. The International Committee of the Red Cross has suspended its operations in Gaza City due to the intensifying conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. As Hamas considers a new US peace plan, which includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages, a senior figure within the group has indicated it is likely to reject the proposal. The situation remains critical, with hundreds of thousands of civilians still trapped in Gaza City amid ongoing military actions.