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What happened
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.
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Key insights
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1
Escalating Violence
Recent military actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties in Gaza City.
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2
Humanitarian Crisis
The ICRC has suspended operations due to worsening conditions for civilians.
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3
Hamas's Response
Hamas is likely to reject the new US peace plan aimed at ending the conflict.
Takeaways
The situation in Gaza City remains dire as military operations continue and humanitarian needs escalate.