The Israeli military ordered Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate southward on Sunday, warning of an impending escalation in operations against Hamas, as former U.S. President Donald Trump called for an immediate end to the war and a deal to free remaining hostages.

Israel Expands Offensive, Warns of “Extreme Force”

In a statement posted on X and sent via SMS to residents, the Israel Defense Forces warned that military operations in Gaza’s north, especially Jabalia and Gaza City districts, would intensify. “The IDF is operating with extreme force in these areas,” it said, adding that strikes would extend westward toward the city center.

At least six people were killed in Jabalia, and five more died in a strike on a tent camp near Mawasi, Khan Younis. Israel has designated Mawasi a humanitarian zone, though Palestinian and U.N. officials maintain that no place in Gaza is truly safe.

Trump Urges Ceasefire, Hamas Responds

Trump posted on Truth Social, “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back,” in a bid to support a renewed truce initiative. The message came amid mounting international pressure following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

A Hamas official told Reuters the group is open to restarting negotiations but reaffirmed it would only release hostages under a deal that ends the war and includes full Israeli withdrawal. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas is disarmed and dismantled—terms Hamas rejects.

Casualties Mount, Ceasefire Talks Resume

The conflict, sparked by the Hamas attack of October 2023 that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, has since claimed the lives of more than 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The Israeli offensive has displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million population and left much of Gaza in ruins.

New ceasefire efforts are now underway, led by Egypt and Qatar and backed by the United States.