Tens of thousands of Palestinians are currently fleeing Gaza, while reports suggest that Israel is preparing to halt humanitarian support as it plans a larger operation against Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that air drops to the Palestinian areas will cease soon, and the number of aid trucks sent to northern Gaza will be decreased.
This strategy is part of a military campaign aimed at evacuating a million Palestinians from Gaza City before a complete invasion set for mid-September, which will also see an uptick in Israeli airstrikes.
The United Nations estimates that around 23,000 Palestinians have left Gaza recently, with many visible caravans moving south from the largest city in the region.
This information comes shortly after Israel labeled Gaza City as a “dangerous battle zone” and recognized it as the stronghold of Hamas.
Military sources in Israel report that soldiers were injured in the Zeitoun neighborhood of northern Gaza City due to an explosive device.
Hamas has issued warnings that hostages are being kept alongside their fighters, raising concerns they could get caught in any crossfire as Israel prepares for significant action.
According to a report from the Jerusalem Post, a spokesperson for Hamas’s military unit mentioned that fighters would remain in risky areas, implying that they are braced for conflict.
The spokesperson also suggested that Israeli military actions heighten the chances of their soldiers being captured by Hamas and warned that they would teach Israeli forces “hard lessons.”
Hamas further threatened to disclose the names and images of any hostages allegedly killed during Israeli operations.
Currently, there are 48 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, with about 20 believed to still be alive.
In another development, Israeli TV Channel 12 reported that the Israeli defense chief would be pushing for support of proposed ceasefire and hostage release measures during an upcoming security cabinet meeting.
Although Israel agreed to a similar ceasefire in May, Hamas later rejected a U.S.-backed proposal.
Every Saturday, protesters have taken to the streets advocating for the end of the conflict.
Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to eliminating Hamas in order to conclude the war and secure the release of all remaining hostages.
Families of the hostages demonstrated again on Saturday night, urging the Israeli government to agree to terms that would bring them back home.
“Netanyahu, if yet another living hostage returns, it’s not just about the hostage and his family; it’s about accountability,” said Zahiro Shahar Moh, the nephew of one of the hostages, at a Tel Aviv rally. “You will be held responsible for the planned murder.”
