WhatsappThe situation in Gaza remains tense as IDF troops operate on the outskirts of Gaza City, with plans for a deeper offensive. The IDF has urged civilians to evacuate to southern Gaza, dismissing claims of insufficient space by highlighting available areas in central refugee camps and Al-Mawasi.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing forward with a cabinet-approved plan to conquer Gaza City, rejecting partial hostage release deals and insisting on a complete deal that frees all hostages and disarms Hamas. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter emphasized that the war will continue until Hamas surrenders or is destroyed, despite frustration from mediators Qatar and Egypt over Israel’s lack of response to a phased hostage release proposal accepted by Hamas.
Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, stated that the evacuation of Gaza City residents is “inevitable” and promised increased humanitarian assistance for those relocating south. The IDF is preparing tent encampments, aid distribution centers, and water infrastructure to support the displaced population. This follows the IDF’s ongoing operations on Gaza City’s outskirts and their dismissal of claims that southern Gaza lacks space for evacuees, with identified areas like central refugee camps and Al-Mawasi ready to accommodate them.
The IDF announced plans to establish two additional humanitarian aid distribution centers in southern Gaza to accommodate displaced Palestinians, with completion expected soon. These will replace the Tel al-Sultan center, increasing the total to five. According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, approximately 5,000 people have been displaced from northern Gaza to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis since August 20, with another 8,000 displaced west of Gaza City, totaling over 800,000 new displacements since the March ceasefire ended. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, speaking on CNN, reiterated that while ceasefire proposals are under consideration, Israel will not accept a partial hostage release deal, fearing it could jeopardize remaining hostages. He emphasized that the war will continue until Hamas is dismantled.
