Israel continues its preparations for a major military operation in Gaza amid international warnings
Israeli media revealed the ongoing Israeli military preparations for a comprehensive ground operation in the Gaza Strip, which includes the mobilization of tens of thousands of soldiers and the forced evacuation of civilians, despite increasing Arab and international condemnations.
Israeli reports indicated that the new military plan relies on surrounding the city of Gaza and evacuating nearly one million Palestinians from their homes to other areas within the strip, along with establishing 12 additional points for distributing food aid. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority also reported security sources warning of "the possibility of repeating the Fallujah and Mosul scenario in Gaza," referring to long and complex confrontations with Hamas fighters.
For his part, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that the army will implement the plan to occupy Gaza "in the best way," noting the deepening of preparations at the highest levels with a focus on protecting the lives of hostages. Despite his previous opposition to the plan, Zamir clarified that the army "will handle the new plan with full professionalism."
In a related context, an Israeli security official revealed to the Associated Press that the operation will be "gradual," but it may require "the mobilization of thousands of soldiers and the forcible evacuation of civilians," without disclosing a specific date for its commencement.
On the ground, Israeli forces continue their military escalation, with intensive air and artillery bombardment on various areas of Gaza resulting in the deaths of seven martyrs and dozens of wounded north of the Nuseirat camp, while two people were killed by Israeli snipers targeting humanitarian aid recipients south of the Gaza Valley Bridge. Drones also targeted the Al-Bureij camp area, while Israeli forces continued to destroy homes in Khan Younis.
On the political front, US President Donald Trump's envoy, Bishara Bahbah, announced that ceasefire negotiations "are still stalled," noting that trucks carrying aid continue to arrive in the strip despite "being stolen immediately upon entry," according to him.
In an international reaction, the Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session tomorrow, Sunday _after it was postponed from today, Saturday_ to discuss the recent developments, including the announced Israeli plan to fully occupy the strip.
