CAIRO/JERUSALEM – Northern Gaza endured one of its most violent nights in weeks, with residents describing near-constant explosions as Israeli forces intensified their assault on Gaza City’s eastern districts. The escalation comes as Israeli officials head to Washington for talks with the Trump administration over a possible ceasefire.

“Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, a 60-year-old father of five from Gaza City. “In the news, we hear a ceasefire is near. On the ground, we see death and we hear explosions.”

On Monday, Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, while airstrikes targeted several schools that had been serving as shelters. At least 25 Palestinians were killed, including 10 in Zeitoun alone, according to Gaza health officials.

The Israeli military, which did not immediately comment, has said in the past that it targets Hamas militants who operate among civilians — a claim militant groups deny.

The attacks follow mass evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military, urging civilians to flee large swaths of northern Gaza. The area has already seen widespread destruction in previous Israeli offensives.

The escalation coincides with a diplomatic push led by President Donald Trump, who on Sunday called for renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs and a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived in Washington Monday for meetings with White House officials on Gaza, Iran, and broader regional diplomacy.

Back in Israel, Netanyahu’s security cabinet is meeting to weigh next steps in Gaza. On Friday, Israel’s military chief said ground operations were nearing completion, while Netanyahu on Sunday hinted at new developments in hostage negotiations.

Despite diplomatic efforts, no formal date has been set for a new round of ceasefire talks, according to Palestinian and Egyptian officials. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are continuing discussions with both Hamas and Israeli representatives.

A Hamas spokesperson said real progress hinges on Israel agreeing to end the war and withdraw its forces from Gaza — terms Israel has thus far rejected, maintaining it will not stop until Hamas is disarmed and dismantled.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking 251 hostages.

Israel’s military response has since claimed the lives of more than 56,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, and turned much of the Gaza Strip into a humanitarian disaster zone.

According to the United Nations, more than 80% of the territory is now either under direct military control or covered by evacuation orders.

Despite talks of a ceasefire, residents in Gaza say the reality on the ground paints a very different picture: relentless bombings, deepening fear, and no signs of the violence abating.