Israel Tells Gaza Residents to Move; Trump Pushes for Peace Deal

People living in parts of northern Gaza, including Gaza City and Jabalia, have been told by the Israeli army to leave their homes and move south to al-Mawasi—a coastal area that Israel has called a “safe zone.” The warning comes as Israeli forces prepare to increase their military operations in the area, according to a report by the BBC. But even al-Mawasi hasn’t been safe.

In just 24 hours, at least 86 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes, the Gaza health ministry—run by Hamas—reported. Among those killed were three children in al-Mawasi. Their family had gone there, trusting that it would be a safer place. But a strike hit their tent while they slept.

“We were sleeping on the ground when they bombed us,” said Iman Abu Maarouf, the children’s mother. “We did nothing wrong.” Her husband, Zeyad, said they had moved to al-Mawasi a month earlier, following Israeli instructions.

Their story is one of many. On Sunday alone, Gaza’s civil defense said 23 people died, including five members of the Maarouf family.

The Israeli military said it’s targeting militant groups in the north and is working to reduce harm to civilians, though it couldn’t confirm details about the specific airstrike on al-Mawasi.

Meanwhile,  US President Donald Trump has called for an end to the fighting and the release of hostages. On his social media platform, he said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in talks with Hamas to reach a deal.

Amid the violence, Israel also reported the death of one of its own soldiers, 20-year-old Sergeant Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, during fighting in northern Gaza.

As the war drags on, families continue to flee, hoping each time that where they go next will finally bring them safety.