Israel Prepares for Military Actions in Gaza
NAHARIYA, Israel (AP) — On Saturday, Israel declared plans to relocate Palestinians from conflict areas to southern Gaza as preparations for a military offensive in densely populated regions advance.
Tent Supplies and Hostage Concerns
The Israeli military organization overseeing humanitarian efforts in Gaza, COGAT, announced that tent supplies would recommence on Sunday. Though the military did not specify when mass relocations of Palestinians would start, Defense Minister Israel Katz mentioned on social media that discussions are ongoing to finalize a strategy aimed at defeating Hamas in Gaza.
Hostage Families Demand Action
Families of Israeli hostages are advocating for a “nationwide day of stoppage” in Israel on Sunday, expressing growing frustration over 22 months of conflict. They fear that the impending offensive may further endanger the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza, with only 20 believed to still be alive. These concerns have been heightened by the recent release of videos showing emaciated captives pleading for assistance.
Public Urging for Government Intervention
A coalition representing the families has called for widespread participation in protests on Sunday. They stated, “Across the country, citizen-led initiatives will join the most moral struggle: to ensure all 50 hostages return home.”
Tragic Civilian Casualties
In a tragic incident, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza resulted in the deaths of a baby girl and her parents. The attack occurred in the crowded Muwasi area, raising concerns over the military’s targeting of civilian zones. Israel’s military has claimed it is dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities while attempting to minimize civilian harm.
Rising Malnutrition and Humanitarian Crisis
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported another 11 deaths related to malnutrition over the past day, increasing the total to 251 during the conflict. The U.N. warns that malnutrition rates are at their highest since the war began, with Palestinians relying on contaminated water as diseases spread amid ongoing hardships.
