Since Trump announced ceasefire plan, Israel escalated destruction of Gaza City
Since the US president’s announcement of a potential ceasefire plan, there has been a clear shift in Israeli military tactics on the ground. Instead of easing, the bombardment of Gaza City has intensified.
Palestinians report that Israeli forces are scaling up attacks aimed at the systematic destruction of the city’s remaining infrastructure, flattening what is left of residential buildings, public facilities and entire neighbourhoods.
The army is reportedly using remote-controlled explosive robots, alongside air attacks and heavy artillery, to demolish densely built areas. Fighter jets have targeted wide boulevards and high-rise blocks in the city centre, leaving large sections of Gaza City reduced to rubble.
Despite talk of a potential agreement, many in Gaza believe the Israeli military is rushing to complete the destruction before any truce takes effect. On the ground, people describe what feels like the final stage of destruction, an effort to render Gaza uninhabitable by erasing all means of life.
German opposition calls on government to exert pressure on Israel for Gaza peace
The opposition Left Party has called on the government to use its economic leverage to pressure Israel into stopping its military offensive in Gaza and accepting the widely endorsed peace plan.
“We call on the German government to exert pressure on Israel to achieve peace. Because peace will only come if there is pressure on Israel,” party’s co-chair Jan van Aken said.
“Because at the moment, the right-wing extremists in the Israeli government are not ready for peace. Economic pressure is also needed,” he said.
A survey released last month showed that 62 percent of German voters believe Israeli actions in Gaza constitute a genocide, mounting pressure on the centre-right government to reassess its stance towards Israel.
