Palestinians take cover during an Israeli strike on a building in Gaza City, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, after the Israeli army issued a prior warning.
Israel struck another high-rise building in Gaza City on Monday. The 12-story tower was evacuated after residents were warned to leave. The military said Hamas had placed bombs and surveillance posts inside the building.
The strike is part of Israel’s offensive to seize control of Gaza City, the largest Palestinian urban center. With over one million residents, the city is under siege and facing famine, according to aid experts.
Gaza City Under Heavy Strikes
Over recent days, several high-rises in Gaza City have been reduced to rubble. Israel insists Hamas uses such towers for military purposes. Residents are being ordered to flee ahead of an intensified ground assault.
Despite losing much of its leadership and infrastructure, Hamas continues to carry out sporadic guerrilla-style attacks. More than 450 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the 2023 ground invasion began.
On Monday, four Israeli soldiers were killed when militants attacked a tank with explosives. A gunbattle followed, leaving another soldier injured and two attackers dead.
Ceasefire Push and U.S. Pressure
At the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump issued what he described as a “last warning” to Hamas. His administration presented a new ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the war and securing hostage releases.
The deal involves the release of 48 remaining hostages in exchange for 3,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also includes a temporary ceasefire and an eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Hamas, however, criticized the plan. One senior official called it a “humiliating surrender document.” The group insists that any deal must guarantee a lasting ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal, and political solutions for Palestinians.
Deadly Attack in Jerusalem
Even as negotiations continue, violence escalated in Jerusalem. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus station, killing six people and wounding twelve others. It was the deadliest such attack in Israel in nearly a year.
The assault has further fueled tensions, already heightened since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack from Gaza that killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 abductions.
The “Last Warning” Proposal
The U.S. plan, presented by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, goes further than earlier proposals. It calls for hostages to be freed on the first day and demands Hamas disarm.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that Israel had accepted the proposal and expressed hope for progress.
But Hamas argues the conditions are impossible. The group says Israel wants to dictate Gaza’s future leadership while keeping security control. Hamas instead seeks an agreement that ends the war and ensures Palestinian national rights.
Mounting Civilian Toll
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 64,522 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. Around half of the victims are women and children.
Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and 90% of the 2 million population is displaced. Aid agencies warn of mass starvation as supplies dwindle.
Ceasefire Talks Stuck Over War’s End
Hamas maintains that hostages will only be released in return for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. It says it is ready to hand authority to independent Palestinian leaders.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects these terms. He insists the war will continue until Hamas is disarmed and all hostages are returned. Netanyahu also says Israel will maintain open-ended security control over Gaza.
Mediators have struggled for months to bridge the divide. Earlier proposals centered on temporary ceasefires and partial hostage exchanges. But with each side holding firm, the path to peace remains uncertain.
