IDF tanks spotted en route to Gaza City as Hamas reportedly accepts Egyptian ceasefire proposal

Arab media reported IDF tanks entering the neighborhood of al-Sabra in Gaza City on Monday night, just as word arrived that Hamas had agreed to a hostage-ceasefire proposal by mediators in Egypt. 

The reports came a couple of hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir to discuss military plans for the takeover of Gaza City. 

Hamas transmitted its positive response to the hostage-ceasefire proposal earlier on Monday, which reportedly constitutes another "partial deal" that would free 10 of the 20 living hostages, but would necessitate further Israeli concessions, including the number of prisoners serving long or life sentences to be released from jail. 

It is not clear if Israel received the proposal before Hamas agreed to it, as Netanyahu said on Saturday evening he would no longer agree to a partial hostage release but would demand a release of all 50 hostages.

However, in a statement on Monday, he didn't reiterate this position, only noting that Hamas was now "under pressure." An unnamed political source then told Israeli news outlets that Israel's position has not changed, and that it continues to demand the release of all the hostages.

However, Army Radio reported Tuesday that Israel is currently reviewing Hamas’ response and examining ways to improve its terms, specifically regarding the release of the living hostages.

Israel is reportedly pushing for 10 hostages to be freed in the first week of the ceasefire instead of eight, while the other two would have to wait another month. This would, in effect, constitute a return to the original Witkoff outline for a deal.

During a meeting of IDF commanders, Zamir said the war in Gaza had reached “a turning point” and that the army was preparing for the next stage of Operation Gideon’s Chariots by conducting “intensifying strikes against Hamas in Gaza City.”

Palestinians reported overnight artillery fire targeting the Sabra neighborhood, Gaza City’s largest, along with the presence of IDF drones.

According to Reuters, thousands of Palestinian residents of Gaza City have already fled ahead of the anticipated Israeli campaign to conquer the last Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip.

The report cited Ahmed Mheisen, Palestinian shelter manager in Beit Lahiya, near Gaza City, who said 995 families had already departed the city ahead of the IDF campaign. 

Reuters also reported that several unions in Gaza City are planning a protest against the Hamas terrorist organization on Thursday. 

Palestinian accounts on social media have accused Hamas of urging civilians to remain in Gaza City despite life-threatening risks.

HORRIFIC: As the Israeli military announced a major military operation in Gaza city, instead of directing civilians to any safe route, Hamas’s Telegram channels are calling on civilians not to leave their homes, saying, "Death is one, in the north or south". "Evacuation isn't… pic.twitter.com/rsP7wimRLJ

— Hamza (@HowidyHamza) August 17, 2025

On Tuesday morning, a Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel, called "Gaza Strip Local Front," posted a message telling residents not to leave. 

“Protect your security and your land,” the message said. “The occupation is trying to exploit any displacement to break our will and control the territories.” 

It also warned, “Don't be fooled by false calls for displacement, as every step outside the home exposes oneself to danger. Our duty is to remain in our homes and protect our families.” 

Hamas has previously instructed Palestinians to ignore evacuation requests by the Israeli military. 

While IDF Chief Zamir was expected to present the military’s formal plans for conquering Gaza City to Defense Minister Katz on Tuesday, the military has already begun moving forces to the region, possibly in an attempt to prevent Hamas from attempting to flee or to prevent the terror group from relocating Israeli hostages into the city. 

Saudi news site Al Arabiya reported artillery fire on the neighborhoods of Zeitoun and Sabra, on Tuesday morning, as well as demolition of buildings in Zeitoun, where the IDF has operated during the past week. 

Israel has begun supplying Gaza with more tents and shelter equipment ahead of the planned Gaza City offensive to accommodate the large number of civilians expected to evacuate as the fighting intensifies.