Israeli tanks close in on Gaza City, Trump to chair meeting

Israeli forces pushed tanks into Gaza City’s Ebad-Alrahman neighborhood late Tuesday, destroying homes and injuring civilians. Witnesses said families fled deeper into the city of two million, half of whom are already crowded inside. “All of a sudden, we heard the tanks push in, explosions became louder, and people escaped,” said resident Saad Abed.

Evacuation orders and resistance

Israel described Gaza City as Hamas’ last stronghold and urged civilians to leave. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said evacuating was “inevitable,” pointing to empty areas in the south and central Strip. Yet Palestinian and UN officials said 1.5 million more tents were needed. Church leaders, meanwhile, issued a rare joint declaration refusing to abandon the city, pledging to stay with those sheltering in church facilities.

Human toll mounts

Gaza health authorities reported at least 20 deaths on Wednesday from Israeli fire, including a four-year-old girl, as bombardments struck Shejaia, Zeitoun and Sabra. Since October 2023, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed and 313 people — 119 of them children — have died from malnutrition and starvation. Israel disputes these figures.

Diplomatic track

Trump is set to chair a White House session on Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington expects the war to be settled by year-end, even as Israel faces protests at home demanding a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israel has not yet responded to the latest U.S.-backed 60-day truce plan, which Hamas has already accepted.