The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) controls 40% of Gaza City, and the operation will be expanded in the coming days. IDF spokeswoman Efi Defrin announced this.
Units are operating in the Zeitun and Sheikh Radwan areas. At the same time, infrastructure is being prepared to evacuate hundreds of thousands of city residents. Over the past two weeks, 70-80 thousand people have been moved to safe zones.
Israel also claims that the Palestinian Hamas is hindering the evacuation, using citizens as human shields and conducting a propaganda campaign.
At the same time, the group has proposed a comprehensive deal: an exchange of all Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the opening of crossings for humanitarian aid, and the establishment of an independent administration in the region. The disarmament of Hamas was not included in the proposal.
Israeli authorities have rejected the offer. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has stressed that the war can only end with the release of all hostages, the complete disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the territory, and Israeli control over security.
