While IDF operations continue in Gaza, Israel is urging civilians in the area to evacuate. The Times of Israel reports that a mass evacuation to south of the Strip seems inevitable, as Jerusalem remains committed to a peace deal that sees all hostages released and Hamas completely disarmed.
The comments come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears poised to move ahead with the decision approved by the cabinet earlier this month to conquer Gaza City, as Israeli officials continue to dismiss proposals for a partial hostage release deal, saying Jerusalem will only agree to a complete deal to free all hostages and disarm Hamas.
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said in a TV interview on Wednesday that Israel was still examining “what the possibilities are” for a ceasefire deal with Hamas, but will not end the war in Gaza until Hamas surrenders or is destroyed. His comments came after mediators Qatar and Egypt expressed frustration that Israel has yet to issue an official response to the latest phased hostage release proposal, which Hamas said last week that it had accepted.
The IDF’s Col. Avichay Adraee affirmed that southern Gaza has sufficient space for displaced residents. Adraee reports that families moving south would receive additional humanitarian assistance with the number of distribution centers being increased to a total of five in the area.
The war in Gaza is reaching a critical phase, with the IDF focused on freeing hostages and defeating Hamas entirely. At the same time, The Fellowship continues to support victims of this nearly two-year conflict as we pray and work towards a safer Israel blessed with shalom, peace.
