In armed conflicts, the aggressors often press a final surge before a declared outcome, sending a curtain of bombardment and ruin that seals the ground the opposing side plans to abandon. The situation in the Gaza Strip mirrors that pattern as ceasefire negotiations push toward a conclusion. Over the last 24 hours, Israeli forces killed 62 Palestinians, and residential blocks and shelters used by civilians have again come under bombardment, pushing the toll to 46,707 since the crisis began on October 7, 2023.
Three days of brutal assaults have already intensified the pressure on the besieged enclave. Israeli forces continue ordering the displacement of residents. Avichay Adraee, the army’s Arab-language spokesperson, posted on X this Wednesday a warning to Jabalia residents in the northern Gaza Strip: “For your safety, head immediately to the shelters in central Gaza,” accusing that “terrorist organizations” are “launching rockets from the area.” Israel has issued similar orders throughout the war and has repeatedly bombed humanitarian corridors across the enclave.
Northern Siege
Further north, the siege persists. Israeli artillery bombardments have cut power to the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya. Military vehicles have begun sweeping the western side of the medical center. The three main hospitals in northern Gaza have been forced to close during the hundred days of heavy military operations against the territory, which have claimed more than 5,000 Palestinian lives. The United Nations has urged that aid access be allowed, noting that Israeli authorities continue denying entry for missions and rejected two attempts to reach hospitals in the north on Tuesday.
Yet the attacks persist across the Strip, with warplanes pressing civilians in Gaza. UNICEF reported that in the first 15 days of 2025, at least 120 children have died in Gaza due to the fighting. UNICEF called for an immediate end to child harm, and Save the Children documented that explosive weapons used in Gaza over the past year have left about 475 children each month facing likely permanent disabilities, roughly 15 daily. The urgent need to shield young lives remains a central concern in humanitarian appeals.
“This Night or Tomorrow”
Meanwhile, both sides are shaping their response to the ceasefire proposal. Hebrew media, citing Israeli and Palestinian sources, report that Hamas under Mohamed Sinwar has signaled a positive stance toward the accord and that a signing could be near. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies that Hamas has given formal clearance to the agreement. A Palestinian official told Reuters that the group has given verbal approval to the ceasefire but awaits written confirmation before signing.
If the security cabinet approves the deal and there are no last‑minute appeals within 48 hours, the terms could begin to apply this Sunday. A foreign official involved in the negotiations acknowledged that it is not clear whether the agreement will be completed today or tomorrow. Officials indicated that a government meeting to ratify the accord could occur Wednesday night or Thursday morning, and Israel hopes the first hostage releases will occur before next Monday when a high‑profile political event draws attention to the region.
In any case, the timetable remains uncertain, with officials cautioning that details could shift as talks continue.
Pressure on Smotrich
Prime Minister Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, has pressed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to back the agreement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has launched a campaign to persuade like‑minded Parliament members to resign should ratification occur. As a vocal opponent of the ceasefire, Ben Gvir has urged Smotrich to consider a joint departure from the cabinet if the deal is approved.
Smotrich has indicated that the war in Gaza should continue, though he has not stated explicitly whether he will support or oppose the accord. Reports suggest the prime minister may have promised him political gains to stay in government. Those moves could include expanding settlements in the West Bank and strengthening security along the border with neighboring states.