The Israeli military announced on Saturday that Gaza residents will begin receiving tents and other shelter supplies starting Sunday as part of plans to move civilians from combat zones to “safe zones” in southern Gaza.
The move follows Israel’s announcement of a planned offensive to capture northern Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban centre, raising international concern over the fate of the area, home to roughly 2.2 million people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the evacuation of civilians to designated safe areas will precede the military operation. He described Gaza City as “Hamas’ last stronghold” and emphasised that measures would be taken to move residents out of harm’s way.
AID TRANSFER TO SOUTHERN GAZA
The military stated that shelter equipment will be delivered through the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, with the United Nations and other international relief organisations overseeing the transfer after inspections by defence ministry personnel.
When asked whether the supplies were intended for Gaza City’s approximately one million residents and whether they would be relocated to the Rafah area near the Egyptian border, the military declined to comment.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz noted that plans for the northern Gaza offensive are still being finalised, though Israeli forces have intensified operations around Gaza City over the past week. Residents in neighbourhoods such as Zeitorun and Shejaia reported heavy aerial and tank fire that destroyed numerous homes.
MILITARY OPERATIONS IN ZEITUN
On Friday, the Israeli military said it had launched a new operation in Zeitun, aimed at locating explosives, destroying tunnels, and targeting militants in the area.
The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and left 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Of the remaining 50 hostages still in Gaza, 20 are reportedly alive.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and has triggered a severe hunger crisis. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and much of the enclave lies in ruins.
Protests calling for hostage releases and an end to the war were expected across Israel on Sunday. Numerous businesses and universities announced strikes to mark the demonstrations.
Efforts to secure a US-backed 60-day ceasefire and hostage release collapsed last month.
– Ends
With inputs from Reuters