Israel Plans Civilian Relocation Amid Gaza Offensive; Hostage Families Call for Nationwide Strike

Israel is preparing to relocate Palestinians from combat zones in northern Gaza to the southern part of the enclave, as it plans a military offensive targeting densely populated areas, including Gaza City and central camps like Nuseirat and Bureij. The Israeli military agency COGAT announced that the supply of tents and shelter equipment, inspected by the defense ministry, will resume on Sunday. However, the exact timing for the mass movement of civilians has not been specified. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the plan aims to defeat Hamas in Gaza.

In response, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have called for a nationwide general strike on Sunday to protest the government's decision to expand the war and occupy Gaza City. They fear that the planned offensive could endanger the lives of the approximately 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. The families have urged Israelis to join the strike, emphasizing the need to bring all hostages home.

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza's Muwasi area, designated as a safe zone, resulted in the deaths of a baby girl and her parents. Nasser hospital officials and witnesses reported that Motasem al-Batta, his wife, and their daughter were killed in their tent. A neighbor questioned the targeting of civilians in a designated safe area. The Israeli military stated it could not comment on the strike without more details but emphasized its efforts to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities while taking precautions to avoid harming civilians.

The United Nations has warned of escalating starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, with the Health Ministry reporting 11 more malnutrition-related deaths in the past 24 hours, including one child. This brings the total number of such deaths during the war to 251. The UN highlighted the challenges in delivering food and aid to the over 2 million residents of Gaza, citing Israeli restrictions and the dire humanitarian conditions.

The conflict began after a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. Israel's subsequent offensive has led to nearly 62,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry, which does not specify the number of fighters versus civilians but notes that around half were women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties, though Israel disputes these figures without providing its own.