Israel said on Saturday that it is planning to move Palestinians to Southern Gaza as it prepares for a new military offensive. 

“Following the instructions from the political authorities, and as a part of the IDF’s efforts to move civilians away from conflict areas to southern Gaza for their safety, the supply of tents and shelter materials to Gaza is set to continue tomorrow (Sunday),” noted COGAT, the military unit responsible for providing humanitarian support to Gaza, in a social media announcement. “The aid delivery will occur at the Kerem Shalom Crossing, coordinated by the UN and other international groups, after a detailed security check. We will ensure the process aligns with international legal standards to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.”

The Israel Defense Forces has not said when the mass movement of people to the south would begin. 

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, expressed on social media on Saturday that they are “engaged in discussions to finalize a strategy to defeat Hamas in Gaza and secure the return of hostages. Once these discussions conclude, a broad and forceful plan will be implemented to achieve these goals in full.”

He further stated, “It is crucial to act now: to rally in the streets, exhibit support for the families of the hostages and soldiers, and influence the future outcomes for both the hostages and the nation — because it is the people who can ensure the return of the hostages,” as reported by the Times of Israel.

Two mothers and one wife of three hostages wrote in a joint letter about “hope.” 

“The days are long, the nights are even longer,” the mothers and wife of hostages Matan Angrest, Nimrod Cohen and Omri Miran wrote.