Israeli Military Intensifies Gaza City Operations as U.S. Prepares Post-War Plans

TDT | Manama

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The Israeli military continued operations around Gaza City on Wednesday, as the United States prepared to discuss post-war plans for the Palestinian territory at the White House.

Israel faces growing pressure both domestically and internationally to end its nearly two-year campaign in Gaza. The military is reportedly preparing to take control of Gaza’s largest city, while the United Nations has declared a famine in the region.

Mediators have shared a draft ceasefire and hostage release deal, accepted by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group whose October 2023 attack triggered the war. Israel has not yet responded to the proposal.

On the ground, Israeli forces said they were targeting “terror infrastructure sites above and below ground” around Gaza City. Residents described heavy overnight bombardment.

“Warplanes struck several times, and drones fired throughout the night,” said Tala al-Khatib, 29, a resident of the Zeitoun neighborhood. “Several homes were destroyed. Some neighbors fled, but wherever you go, danger follows.”

Abdel Hamid al-Sayfi, 62, said he had not left his home since Tuesday. “Whoever steps outside is fired upon by drones. My phone battery is almost dead, and once it dies, we will lose all contact. Our fate is unknown.”

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned last week that Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas does not agree to Israel’s terms for ending the war. The military has been authorized to call up about 60,000 reservists to seize the city.

The United Nations has blamed Israel for “systematic obstruction of aid,” declaring a famine across Gaza, including Gaza City.

Amid growing international concern, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host a White House meeting on Wednesday with senior officials to outline plans for post-war Gaza. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, described the session as “a very comprehensive plan,” without providing further details.

Earlier this year, Trump proposed that the U.S. should take control of Gaza, remove its residents, and redevelop it—a suggestion that drew strong criticism across Europe and the Arab world. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the idea.