Israel has warned medical officials and international aid groups to prepare for the planned evacuation of Gaza City’s one million residents ahead of an offensive to occupy the city. The Israeli military says it is making “adjustments” to hospitals in southern Gaza to receive patients, but Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry rejected the plan, saying it would undermine what remains of the health system.
The UN and aid groups have vowed to stay in Gaza City to help those who cannot or choose not to move. Palestinians reported heavy bombardment in eastern areas of the city, a day after the military said it had taken the first steps in the offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting security officials on Thursday to approve the military’s takeover plans despite widespread international and domestic opposition.
The Israeli military plans to evacuate Gaza City’s entire population and move them to shelters in the south before troops move into the territory’s largest urban area. The UN warned that an Israeli offensive in Gaza City would have a “horrific humanitarian impact”. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of continuing a “brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City” and criticized Netanyahu for his “disregard” for the ceasefire proposal.
The situation on the ground is dire, with at least 48 people killed by Israeli strikes and fire across Gaza on Thursday. Hundreds of Palestinians joined a rally in Gaza City to demand an end to the war and reject Israel’s plan for further displacement. The international community remains divided on how to address the conflict, with Qatar and Egypt presenting a new proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of around half of the 50 hostages held by Hamas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq589y168e1o