Israel Warns of Escalated Gaza Offensive as Hostage Deal Talks Intensify

Israel has issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the release of 48 remaining hostages and the surrender of its fighters or face what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a “mighty hurricane” of intensified airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza City. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking a 12-story building used by Hamas militants, hours after urging civilians to evacuate the area. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza would face total destruction if Hamas refused to disarm.

The offensive comes as Hamas reviews a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, supported by Qatar, calling for the immediate return of all hostages on the first day of a truce. U.S. President Donald Trump labeled the deal Hamas’s “last chance,” urging swift action. Hamas officials, however, described the plan as “preliminary,” with no official acceptance.

Monday’s bombardments left at least 40 Palestinians dead, including journalist Osama Balousha, bringing Gaza’s war death toll to over 64,000 since 2023. Gaza’s health ministry also reported six more deaths from malnutrition, raising starvation-related fatalities to nearly 400. Israel disputes claims of widespread famine, blaming deaths on other causes.

The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s 2023 assault that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, has since devastated the enclave. Most hostages were freed during temporary ceasefires in late 2023 and early 2025, but dozens remain in captivity. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas releases all captives and surrenders. Hamas maintains it will only disarm under conditions of Palestinian statehood and Israeli withdrawal.

As fighting intensifies and international pressure grows, the fate of both hostages and civilians in Gaza hangs on whether Hamas accepts the latest ceasefire framework or faces Israel’s promised escalation.