Israel Prepares for Ground Operation After Bombardments in Gaza

On Tuesday, Israel ordered civilians in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate immediately from border areas following a night of intense airstrikes that left at least 330 people dead. The evacuation order specifically targeted communities such as Beit Hanoun (north), Khirbet al-Jouzaa, Abasan al-Kabira, and Abasan al-Jonaid (south), which were labeled as ‘dangerous combat zones’ via X by the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee. Civilians were advised to move towards the western part of Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the attack on Gaza would continue until all hostages, dead or alive, were returned following the massive aerial bombardments. Despite this, a senior Hamas official claimed the movement was working with mediators to halt Israel’s offensive. According to Palestinian health officials, over 330 people, mostly children and women, have been killed, with hundreds injured. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz instructed the military to take strong action against Hamas in Gaza following their refusal to release hostages and rejection of all proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. Israel vowed decisive action with increased military force, presenting and approving an operational plan over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Families Forum, the largest association of hostage families in Israel, urged Netanyahu to stop killing their own citizens after the severe Israeli strikes in Gaza. Families of hostages demanded a meeting with top officials to ensure the protection of hostages from military pressure and how they intend to bring them back.