Israel Urges Hamas Surrender as Gaza Faces Intense Strikes

Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli air strike on a school that was sheltering displaced people, in Gaza City, September 7, 2025.

Israel called on Hamas to surrender on Sunday as its military intensified strikes on Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban centre, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are seeking shelter.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the war could end immediately if Hamas released the remaining hostages and disarmed. “We are willing to reach this objective through political means,” he added.

Hamas official Basem Naim maintained that the group would not disarm but would release all hostages if Israel ended the war and withdrew forces, reaffirming its longstanding stance.

The military assault on Gaza City, launched last month, has brought Israeli forces close to the city centre. Overnight strikes killed 14 people, including an attack on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians. The military said civilians were warned prior to the strikes and targeted Hamas militants.

Residents expressed fear and frustration. Emad, a Gaza City resident, said: “We want a ceasefire. How many lives must be lost? Enough is enough.”

Over the weekend, Israel destroyed two high-rise buildings sheltering displaced families, alleging they were used by Hamas—an accusation denied by the militant group.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military advance on Gaza City amid reports of widespread hunger. Israeli officials acknowledge food shortages but reject claims of famine.

Since the conflict began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and abducted 251, tens of thousands of Palestinians have died. Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli authorities estimating around 20 still alive.

Israel insists the war can only end if Hamas releases hostages, disarms, and withdraws from governance in Gaza. Hamas has refused disarmament talks but offered hostage releases for a temporary ceasefire.

International concern grows. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen urged Israel to “change course” and stop military operations, while stressing the need for humanitarian aid and medical care for Gazans.

Many Palestinians continue to flee southward, though hundreds of thousands remain in crowded tent encampments. US officials said Washington is in “deep” negotiations with Hamas, with the militant group hoping for a serious deal.

Meanwhile, protests in Israel show rising domestic opposition to the war. Tens of thousands, including families of hostages, rallied for an end to the conflict and the safe return of captives.