Military Greenlights Gaza City Operation as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The Israeli military announced Wednesday it approved operational plans for a renewed offensive in Gaza, escalating tensions amid fragile ceasefire negotiations. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir endorsed the framework following security cabinet directives to seize control of Gaza City, where displaced families now face intensified airstrikes in residential zones like Zeitoun and Sabra.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not disclosed a timeline for ground operations, though Gaza's civil defense reports “very heavy” bombardments targeting high-rise buildings. The development coincides with Hamas delegates arriving in Cairo for preliminary truce discussions with Egyptian mediators.
International Backlash Intensifies
Plans to expand military operations after 22 months of conflict have drawn condemnation from four UN Security Council permanent members – China, France, Russia, and the UK – during Sunday's emergency session. European allies joined growing calls to prevent further civilian casualties as UN experts warn of imminent famine in Gaza due to restricted aid access.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed 1,219 people according to AFP figures, has claimed 61,599 Palestinian lives based on Gaza Health Ministry data verified by the UN.
