Israeli troops have begun advancing on the outskirts of Gaza City, prompting Palestinians to move to other parts of the territory.
Israel is in the early phases of its military operations as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday his intent to authorize the takeover of Gaza City, while also resuming discussions with Hamas.
The negotiations are aimed at returning all the remaining hostages and ending the war on Israel’s terms.
The primary offensive on Gaza City might commence soon, as Netanyahu is expected to grant the final go-ahead during a meeting with top security officials shortly.
The Israeli Defence Forces have begun contacting medical personnel and international bodies in the northern Gaza Strip, urging them to move south in preparation for the broader operation.
The military plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more.
Israeli troops have already begun more limited operations in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood and the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp.
Defense leaders state that the objective is to deploy forces in zones not yet reached by ground troops, where they claim Hamas retains military and administrative powers.
Until now, there has been minimal evidence of mass evacuations by Palestinians, unlike the earlier Israeli offensive in Gaza City during the initial weeks of the conflict.
The military says it controls around 75 per cent of Gaza and residents say nowhere in the territory feels safe.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospitals.
A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands.
Many in Israel worry that this could also endanger the approximately 20 remaining hostages held by Hamas-led militants since their attack on October 7, 2023, which sparked the conflict.
