JERUSALEM, June 30 – Palestinians in northern Gaza endured one of the most harrowing nights in weeks as heavy Israeli bombardments rocked the region, following a sweeping evacuation order issued by the Israeli military on Monday. This escalation came as top Israeli officials prepared to arrive in Washington for high-level discussions on a possible ceasefire agreement, part of a renewed diplomatic push by the Trump administration to end the prolonged conflict.
Escalation Amid Diplomatic Talks
While the United States intensified its efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the 20-month-long conflict, the situation on the ground told a different story. Residents in Gaza City described relentless explosions that shook homes and reduced buildings to rubble. Salah, a 60-year-old father of five from the city, painted a grim picture of the night: “The blasts were continuous. They targeted schools and houses. It was like an earthquake tearing through the city. We hear talks of peace in the news, but we only see destruction and death.”
Israeli tanks were seen advancing into Gaza City’s eastern Zeitoun neighborhood, as airstrikes struck multiple northern regions of the enclave. Eyewitnesses claimed that four schools, which were being used as shelters by displaced families, were hit by airstrikes shortly after evacuation orders were issued.
Health officials in Gaza stated that at least 25 people lost their lives in the attacks on Monday, with 10 of those deaths occurring in the Zeitoun area alone. The rising civilian death toll underscores the severe toll the conflict continues to take on the population.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the latest developments, though it has repeatedly accused Hamas fighters of hiding among civilians and using residential areas as cover. Militant factions, however, deny this claim and assert their operations target military threats alone.
Massive Displacement and Intensified Offensive
The bombardment followed renewed orders for civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate once more. This region had already suffered widespread destruction during earlier phases of the conflict, with entire neighborhoods flattened and infrastructure decimated.
According to military briefings, the renewed evacuation was necessary as Israeli forces planned to launch an offensive targeting Hamas cells believed to be operating in northern districts, including central areas of Gaza City.
These evacuations have further strained the civilian population, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times. The United Nations estimates that over 80% of Gaza’s territory is now either under evacuation or declared a militarized zone. The humanitarian conditions remain dire, with dwindling access to clean water, medical aid, and shelter.
White House Engagement and Strategic Deliberations
In a parallel development, a key figure from Israel’s strategic leadership—Ron Dermer, known for his close association with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—was expected to arrive at the White House on Monday. His visit marks a renewed effort by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire agreement, as well as discuss broader regional security issues, including the growing tensions with Iran.
Just a day prior, President Trump had publicly called for a resolution to the conflict, urging leaders to “make the deal in Gaza and bring the hostages home.” His remarks signal an intensified American interest in ending the war and promoting regional stability.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Netanyahu’s security cabinet was reportedly scheduled to meet and deliberate over the future course of action in Gaza. On Friday, Israel’s military chief suggested that the current ground campaign was nearing completion in terms of its military objectives. By Sunday, Netanyahu hinted that progress had been made regarding negotiations for the return of Israeli hostages still believed to be held by Hamas—roughly 20 of the original captives remain alive, according to Israeli estimates.
Ceasefire Efforts Face Stalemate
While international mediators from Egypt and Qatar have ramped up their engagement with both sides, hopes for a ceasefire appear distant. Palestinian officials involved in the talks indicated that no new round of formal negotiations had been scheduled yet.
A Hamas spokesperson emphasized that any real progress depends on Israel agreeing to fully withdraw from Gaza and end the war. Israeli leadership, however, maintains that the conflict can only be resolved once Hamas is entirely disarmed and dismantled—a condition the group firmly rejects.
The war, now stretching into its 21st month, began with a devastating surprise attack on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed into Israel, killing 1,200 people—most of them civilians—and capturing 251 hostages. It was the deadliest single-day attack in Israel’s history.
Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 56,000 Palestinian deaths, the vast majority of them civilians, according to health officials in the enclave. The ongoing violence has also displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, plunging the territory deeper into a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions.