Israel Orders New Evacuations in Gaza as Trump Pushes for Ceasefire Deal
Israel has ordered residents in parts of northern Gaza, including Gaza City and Jabalia, to evacuate ahead of an expected intensification of military operations. Civilians have been directed to move south toward the coastal area of al-Mawasi, as Israeli forces expand their operations westward.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 86 people killed in Israeli strikes during the 24 hours leading up to midday Sunday. Among the dead were three children, killed in what was designated as a “safe zone” in al-Mawasi. Their parents said they had followed evacuation orders issued weeks earlier.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has renewed calls for a ceasefire, urging all parties to “make the deal in Gaza” and secure the release of hostages. On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was actively negotiating with Hamas.
On Sunday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that operations in northern Gaza were underway to “eliminate terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.” Medics and residents told Reuters that Israeli bombardments increased overnight, with several homes destroyed.
At least 23 people were killed on Sunday alone, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. In one incident, five members of the Maarouf family—including three children—were killed when an airstrike hit their tent in al-Mawasi near Khan Younis. Their mother, Iman Abu Maarouf, said the family had relocated to the area after being instructed by Israel to evacuate there. “They bombed us while we were sleeping on the ground,” she said. “We didn’t do anything wrong.”
The IDF said it could not comment on the specific strike without more information but emphasized it operates in accordance with international law and takes steps to minimize civilian harm.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Israeli soldier Sgt. Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, 20, was killed in fighting in northern Gaza.
The escalation comes amid renewed efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of remaining hostages. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that international mediators had intensified efforts, but talks with Israel remained stalled. Qatar has expressed hope that U.S. pressure might help revive the process, following a recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran that ended a 12-day conflict.
Speaking to Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel’s success against Iran opened new opportunities, particularly in efforts to rescue hostages. “We also need to resolve the issue of Gaza and defeat Hamas,” he added, “but I believe we will achieve both missions.”
Trump has expressed hope that a Gaza ceasefire could be reached within a week. The previous truce, established in January, collapsed in March after Israel resumed strikes, aiming to pressure Hamas to release more hostages.
In tandem, Israel imposed a total blockade on aid deliveries into Gaza, easing it only after 11 weeks amid international pressure and warnings that half a million people faced starvation. This partial easing included the establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid initiative intended to bypass alleged aid theft by Hamas—accusations Hamas denies.
UN agencies have sharply criticized GHF’s operations. Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, called the new distribution system “a killing field,” arguing only humanitarian organizations like the UN can safely and fairly distribute aid. GHF head Johnnie Moore acknowledged deaths near aid sites but rejected claims that his organization was responsible.
The earlier ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas never advanced beyond its first stage. Planned next steps—including a permanent truce, hostage-prisoner exchanges, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—stalled before implementation.
Trump has also weighed in on Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, calling it a “political witch hunt” that is hampering progress toward peace. On Sunday, an Israeli court granted Netanyahu a one-week delay in his scheduled testimony due to pressing diplomatic and security matters. The prime minister, charged in 2019 with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, denies all allegations.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Trump’s intervention, warning that foreign leaders should not interfere in Israel’s legal process.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Since then, more than 56,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
