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Military operations intensify in Gaza as Israeli army chief approves strategic plan

Military leader in Israel formally backs ambitious operation to capture Gaza City, intensifying military actions on the largest city in the Gaza Strip, in preparation for a projected ground invasion.

Military operations intensify in Gaza as army chief approves strategic plan
Military operations intensify in Gaza as army chief approves strategic plan

Military operations intensify in Gaza as Israeli army chief approves strategic plan

In a bid to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, a new ceasefire proposal has been presented to Hamas by mediators. The proposal, as described by a source from Islamic Jihad, involves a 60-day truce during which 10 Israeli hostages would be released alive, along with a number of bodies.

However, the Israeli military has announced plans for an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip, including forced evacuation of residents in Gaza City and central refugee camps. The operation, focused on taking control of Gaza City and dismantling Hamas strongholds, is expected to begin by early October.

The conflict in Gaza has triggered a dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, with at least 17 Palestinians having been killed in Israeli assaults on Gaza's largest city ahead of the planned ground takeover. The Israeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, COGAT, has announced that the supply of tents to the territory will resume.

Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, have been struggling to secure a lasting truce in the conflict. Hamas and the factions have agreed to the new ceasefire proposal without requesting any amendments. Israel, however, has yet to respond to the proposal.

The operation carries significant risks for Israeli forces, with senior commanders voicing concern that controlling central Gaza City could leave Israel responsible for distributing humanitarian aid until civilians relocate south. The plan involves at least 80,000 troops, organized into several brigade-sized units.

Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities are preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza. The evacuation will begin with a military operation followed by a gradual entry into the city. Troops, supported by the air force, are expected to move into new areas within days to intensify pressure.

However, the crisis in Gaza is not just a military one. Eight of the fatalities occurred while Palestinians were waiting for aid, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation in the region. The operation's success will depend not only on military outcomes but also on the ability to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.

The Israeli army chief, Eyal Zamir, has formally endorsed the plan for a sweeping operation to seize Gaza City. The ceasefire proposal, if accepted, could potentially mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict. The world watches as the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

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