Israel launches attacks on suburbs of Gaza City, preparatory to a perceived imminent takeover
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions continue to rise as both sides prepare for potential escalations. Here are the latest updates:
The Israeli military has designated the area around Gaza as a "dangerous combat zone," ending temporary pauses that allowed for aid deliveries. This move comes after a series of attacks that have claimed at least 18 lives, including 13 civilians trying to get food near an aid site and two in a house in Gaza City. The Israeli military spokesperson's office is currently reviewing these reports.
Protests in Israel, calling for an end to the war and the release of hostages, have intensified in the past few weeks. Large crowds demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, and hostages' families protested outside the homes of ministers on Sunday morning.
The Red Cross head has warned that a massive population displacement would occur if Gaza City is evacuated, as no other area in the Gaza Strip is equipped to absorb the influx. Around half of the enclave's more than 2 million people are presently in Gaza City. Several thousand have already left the city for central and southern areas of the enclave, according to local sources.
Ghada, a mother of five from the city's Sabra neighborhood, said she and others have been forced to seek shelter due to overcrowding in Deir Al-Balah and Mawasi.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, is set to convene on Sunday to discuss a plan to seize Gaza City. This plan was presented by Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, who reaffirmed advancing plans for a ground offensive. However, the exact date when the Israeli Security Cabinet will deliberate on this plan was not specified.
The war began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and 251 taken hostage. Twenty of the remaining 48 hostages are believed to still be alive.
Israel's military has gradually escalated its operations around Gaza City over the past three weeks. Residents of Sheikh Radwan, one of the largest neighborhoods of Gaza City, have been forced to seek shelter due to tank shelling and airstrikes in their territory throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Israeli forces are conducting attacks on the suburbs of Gaza City, including air and ground attacks, resulting in the destruction of homes and displacement of families. The Israeli military has also warned its political leaders that the offensive is endangering hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli military wants to evacuate the civilian population before moving more ground forces in. However, the potential humanitarian crisis and the risk to the hostages remain significant concerns. The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
