Israel is preparing for a new phase of war as displaced Palestinians face depressing conditions. This is what you should know
Yoav Gallant speaks in Tel Aviv, Israel on December 18, 2023. Maya Alleruzzo/AP
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday unveiled plans for the next phase of the Gaza war, which include a new fighting focus in the north and a continued focus on attacks on Hamas leaders in the south of the enclave.
The defense minister's summary of the next phase of the war came as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expanded its operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip and issued a series of new evacuation orders for Palestinians, many of whom were already displaced. Several civilians in central Gaza told CNN they were too tired to flee again and instead wished they could return home to “die with dignity.”
Hundreds of thousands of civilians live in tent camps in southern cities with little access to basic health care, food, fuel or clean water. Many sleep on the streets and wear inadequate clothing to keep warm in winter.
This is the latest:
Number of civilian casualties: The “results” in Gaza in protecting civilians “still do not reflect Israel's intentions,” US State Department spokesman Matt Miller said, adding that it would be a topic of discussion on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's next trip . to the region. The United States has strongly supported Israel's war against Hamas, but weeks of constant Israeli attacks on Gaza have exposed divisions between close allies. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, more than 22,000 people have died in the enclave since October 7.
New calls for a ceasefire: The Palestinian Authority's deputy secretary of state urged Blinken during his visit to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking to CNN, Amal Jadou explained that Israel is “driving the entire region into confrontation,” which does not “create peace.”
Border conflicts: The head of the U.N. interim force in Lebanon met with Lebanese officials to discuss the situation on the border with Israel, while Israeli officials vowed to address security concerns in a meeting on the same topic with a U.S. envoy. Joined. Clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed paramilitary group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have intensified further following the killing of a senior Hamas leader in Beirut.
ISIS claims attack on Iran: ISIS has claimed responsibility for two deadly bombings at a military commander's memorial in southeastern Iran. The allegations emerged in the period between the explosions and the ISIS statement: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed Israel for the explosions, raising fears that a larger regional conflict could arise during the war between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military has not commented on the attack.
UN concerns: U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said he was “very disturbed” by comments from two far-right Israeli government ministers this week who pushed for the relocation of Gaza civilians to “third countries.” The Israeli officials' comments were criticized by several countries, including the United States.
Hostages in Gaza: The Israeli military now believes that three Israelis missing since the October 7 Hamas attacks are being held hostage in Gaza, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. The Israeli military has said the official number of hostages held in the Gaza Strip may fluctuate as it receives the latest intelligence information. Israel believes there are currently 108 hostages in Gaza who were captured during the attack.