Israeli Tanks Push into Gaza City Ahead of Trump Talks

On September 29, Israeli tanks moved towards the center of Gaza City, intensifying the ground operation. This took place hours before the upcoming talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, during which a new American proposal to end the war will be discussed.

Despite the diplomatic activity, military operations in Gaza have not ceased. Israel launched one of the largest operations of the war this month, a large-scale offensive on Gaza City, where, according to Netanyahu, the goal is to eliminate the last strongholds of Hamas. Israeli tanks have approached Gaza's main hospital, Al-Shifa, where, according to doctors, hundreds of patients are still receiving treatment despite evacuation orders from the Israeli side. According to medical sources, at least 18 people were killed in various parts of Gaza on Monday as a result of Israeli military operations, most of them in Gaza City.

The US-proposed plan, however, has raised some concerns on the Israeli side. According to a source familiar with the talks, Israeli officials have expressed concern about several points in discussions with their American counterparts. Specifically, the issues concern the possible involvement of Palestinian security forces in Gaza after the war, the uncertainty of the issue of expelling Hamas officials from the enclave, and the question of who will bear the overall responsibility for Gaza's security.

Previous attempts to reach a ceasefire brokered by the US have failed due to the inability to overcome the differences between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu's far-right government partners insist that the war must continue until the final defeat of Hamas.

At the same time, the offensive in Gaza City is also creating domestic political tension in Israel. The families of the hostages are demanding a peace agreement to bring their relatives home, and some accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war. The forum representing the families of the hostages has sent a letter to President Trump, urging him not to let anyone torpedo a deal to end the war.