The Israeli military has announced plans to relocate civilians from combat zones in northern Gaza to the southern part of the enclave, with distribution of tents and shelter equipment set to begin on Sunday. The move comes ahead of a planned offensive to seize control of Gaza City, raising concerns from international observers about worsening humanitarian conditions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that civilians would be evacuated to “safe zones” before the launch of operations in Gaza City, which he described as Hamas’ “last stronghold.” Shelter equipment, to be transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing, will be coordinated with the United Nations and international relief groups after inspection by Israeli authorities.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) welcomed Israel’s decision to allow tents and other shelter materials into Gaza, noting the desperate need. However, OCHA warned that relocating thousands already facing dire conditions could push families “over the edge.” UN and Palestinian officials maintain that no part of the enclave can be considered safe, including the southern zones designated for evacuation.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed Saturday that operational plans for the new offensive were still being finalized. Meanwhile, heavy Israeli aerial and tank fire has already been reported in Gaza City’s outskirts, particularly in Zeitoun and Shejaia, where residents described ongoing shelling against homes. The Israeli military confirmed a new operation in Zeitoun targeting tunnels, explosives, and militants.
The militant faction Islamic Jihad condemned Israel’s relocation plans as a “blatant mockery of international conventions,” accusing Israel of escalating its assault on Gaza City.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Israeli officials say 20 of the 50 remaining captives are still alive. Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the population, and triggered a severe hunger crisis.
On Sunday, protests across Israel are expected to call for both the release of hostages and an end to the war, as mediators Egypt and Qatar attempt to revive stalled ceasefire negotiations.
