Israel has approved deployment plans against Hamas in Gaza City. The Israeli army is expected to launch intense attacks. Currently, around one million people are still there, living in terrible conditions. In parts of the Gaza Strip, famine has now officially been declared. Israel’s plans also include the relocation of residents from Gaza’s largest city, said Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to his office.

The decision had already been made on Thursday, he added. "The gates of hell will soon open upon the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza, until they accept Israel’s conditions to end the war," the Defense Minister threatened. Minister threatens with destruction Otherwise, Gaza City will resemble Rafah and Beit Hanun, Katz said. Both places were largely destroyed by Israeli bombardments.

According to estimates, about one million people are still currently in Gaza City. The already catastrophic situation of the civilian population could worsen even further with the offensive.

Ceasefire negotiations interrupted Netanyahu also raised on Thursday the possibility of new negotiations on the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas over a new ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful and were recently suspended. In Israel, it was also speculated that the announcement of an expansion of the war could be a negotiating tactic to pressure Hamas.

Famine in the Gaza Strip Famine has been declared in an area of northern Gaza. The necessary criteria for such a declaration have been met, announced the responsible IPC initiative. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, said after the IPC’s publication: “There is no famine in Gaza.” The IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) warned: “An immediate ceasefire and an end to the conflict are critical to allow large-scale, unhindered humanitarian assistance to save lives.”