As the Gaza ceasefire enters its 23rd day, concerns persist over a potential systematic displacement operation by the Israeli occupation army against the Strip’s residents, particularly following renewed statements from US President Donald Trump.
On Sunday evening, Trump reiterated his controversial remarks about Gaza, emphasizing that he remains committed to “buying and owning” the territory. He added that he might allocate parts of the Strip to other Middle Eastern countries for development and pledged to transform Gaza into what he described as a “good site for future development.” He also stated that he would “take care of the Palestinians and ensure they are not killed.”
His comments come just a day after the Israeli occupation army withdrew from the Netzarim axis in central Gaza, as reported by Israeli army radio. Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of stalling the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, warning that such delays could jeopardize the truce.
Speaking from Tehran, senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya dismissed Western and American initiatives, declaring that the projects proposed by the United States and its president were doomed to fail. He vowed to resist these efforts, asserting that Hamas and the Palestinian people would stand firm as they had against past attempts to impose external agendas.
The devastation in central Gaza continues to escalate, with three municipalities—Al-Zahraa, Al-Maghraqa, and Wadi Gaza—declaring their areas “disaster-stricken and uninhabitable” due to the massive destruction caused by over 15 months of Israeli military operations. During a press conference, Al-Zahraa Mayor Nidal Nassar described the extensive damage, noting that it had impacted all aspects of life, rendering the affected areas virtually unlivable.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 19 people were killed in the past 24 hours, including 14 bodies retrieved from the rubble, two individuals who succumbed to their injuries, and three additional casualties. Another 15 people sustained injuries. Since 7 October 2023, the overall death toll from the Israeli aggression has climbed to 48,208, while the number of wounded has reached 111,655.
As discussions over the ceasefire continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present what have been described as “Israel’s demands” for the second phase of the truce agreement at a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday. According to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli officials expect Hamas to reject these conditions, which include the removal of Hamas leadership from Gaza, the dismantling and disarmament of its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, and the release of all hostages held in Gaza.
The newspaper further revealed that Israeli officials believe accepting these conditions would mark the end of the war from Israel’s perspective. Netanyahu has reportedly reached agreements on these principles with Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Due to the expectation that Hamas will reject the terms, Israel is likely to push for an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire to allow for the continued release of hostages and a prolonged truce.
