The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of residents of Gaza's second-largest city, Khan Yunis, and neighboring towns.
Israeli military spokesman Avichai Adrai posted a message on his social media, noting that the entire area “will be considered an active combat zone.”
The evacuation was announced against the backdrop of increased Israeli military activity in the Gaza Strip with the launch of new operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier Monday that his decision to resume aid to Gaza after a weeks-long blockade was made under pressure from allies.
In a video message posted on social media, Netanyahu said Israel's allies had expressed alarm over “images of famine.”
“Israel's greatest friends in the world,” he said, without naming specific countries, “have said there is one thing we cannot bear. We cannot bear the images of famine, mass famine. We cannot bear it. We cannot support you.”
He added: “Therefore, in order to achieve victory, we need to somehow solve the problem.”
Netanyahu said the aid that would be provided would be “minimal,” without specifying when it would resume.
Israel said on Sunday it would resume aid deliveries to war-torn areas after halting imports completely since early March. Israel said the blockade of goods including fuel, food and medicine was aimed at increasing pressure on the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip.
The week-long aid suspension has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation and prompted food experts to warn of possible famine.
The change of course came after Israel launched a new offensive that plans to seize Gaza, displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and distribute aid throughout the territory.
Israel insists that all of this is a way to induce Hamas to agree to a truce on Israel's terms.
And while the sides continue to discuss a possible ceasefire, it is unclear what progress has been made in resolving the remaining differences between them.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
