Israel announced on Friday it would intensify its 22-month war against Hamas by taking control of Gaza City, a move that has heightened concerns for Palestinian civilians and for Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.
According to the Associated Press, Israel's air and ground war has caused tens of thousands of casualties in Gaza, displaced most of the population, devastated vast areas and driven the territory towards famine.
The timing of the launch of a major new ground operation remains unclear. According to the AP, such an operation would likely require the mobilization of thousands of troops and the forced evacuation of civilians, almost certainly worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
An official familiar with the plans for the takeover of Gaza City told the AP that the operation would be “gradual” and that there is no set launch date yet. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The decision has also renewed international pressure on Israel to end the conflict, while families of hostages and critics within Israel have warned that expanding the operations could further endanger the lives of those still held by Hamas.
