The on-going Israeli strikes against Gaza City have intensified as ground forces engage Hamas militants in densely populated urban areas from which tens of thousands of people have fled in recent days. Israeli troops were reported to be about 3 kilometers from Shifa Hospital, located in the heart of downtown. The Israeli government has not been transparent about the movement of its troops, but officials have indicated that Gaza City is the primary target of their campaign to defeat Hamas following its October 7 assault on Israel.

Amidst growing international concern over the dire conditions in Gaza, mediators have been working on a potential deal for a three-day cease-fire in exchange for the release of around a dozen hostages held by Hamas. This deal would also permit a small amount of fuel to enter the territory, which has been relying on generators for electricity since the start of the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that any temporary cease-fire must be accompanied by the release of the hostages. Israel has reported that approximately 240 hostages are currently being held in Gaza.

The possible cease-fire agreement is being negotiated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The Biden administration has suggested that Israel could link the duration of a pause in fighting to the release of a certain number of hostages, in a formula that could be used for additional pauses. Meanwhile, Israeli ground forces are engaged in battle near Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa, where tens of thousands of people have sought shelter. The Israeli military claims that Hamas’ main command center is located in and under the hospital complex, using it as a shield. However, Hamas and hospital staff deny these claims and accuse the military of creating a pretext for striking the hospital.

The conditions in Gaza have become increasingly dire, with aid entering from the south largely restricted from going north, where there has been no running water for weeks. The United Nations office has reported that the majority of the population in Gaza has fled their homes, with many seeking refuge in southern Gaza, though the conditions there are also suffering. The ongoing violence has led to more than 10,500 death according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israel says thousands of Palestinian militants have been killed but Hamas has continued to fire rockets into Israel causing the death of over 1,400 people.