Israel announced plans to forcibly evacuate Palestinians from Gaza City to the south, declaring the city a battlefield. The move follows its pledge to capture Gaza’s largest urban center. The army said the UN and aid groups would provide tents and shelters through the Kerem Shalom crossing, though the UN has not confirmed its role. Palestinian group Islamic Jihad condemned the plan as a crime against humanity. Recent Israeli air and tank strikes have intensified around Zeitoun and Shujaiya.

A month after Israel’s ‘Rising Lion’ operation against Iran, a Maccabi Healthcare survey finds that half of Israelis are struggling with insomnia, fatigue, fear, and anxiety. Around 16% report severe fatigue, while 30% feel they need mental health support. Children are also affected, with 25% of parents noting behavioral changes. Experts warn that prolonged stress and poor sleep are impacting daily life and physical health, emphasizing the need for monitoring, early intervention, and mental resilience measures.

Illegal Israeli settlers and military forces have forced 30 Palestinian families from the Al-Jahalin Bedouin community to leave their homes in Ain Ayoub, northwest of Ramallah in the West Bank. The settlers reportedly used intimidation, threats, and destruction of property to displace these families. Human rights groups call it systematic forced displacement. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank have intensified, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements. The International Court of Justice recently declared Israeli settlements illegal.

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night, demanding an immediate halt to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages, in a powerful show of dissent against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to capture Gaza City.

Protesters chanted for peace and carried signs urging an end to the conflict, warning that continued fighting could endanger the lives of those held captive by Hamas.

“This is not just a military decision — it could be a death sentence for our loved ones,” said Lishai Miran Lavi, whose husband, Omri Miran, is among the hostages. She called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene immediately to help broker a ceasefire.

Recent polls suggest a majority of Israelis now believe the war should end as soon as possible to secure the safe return of nearly 50 hostages still in Hamas custody. Opposition to Netanyahu’s plan is also growing among Western allies, not just within Israel.

Rami Dar, a 69-year-old retired resident attending the protest, accused the government of pursuing extremist policies. “The government is acting against the country’s best interests,” he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan for a new Gaza military operation has sparked internal and international concern. The proposal to take control of Gaza City could lead to prolonged conflict, displacement of 800,000 residents, and increased Palestinian casualties. Despite warnings from military chiefs and hostages’ families, Netanyahu remains firm. Critics, including Britain’s Prime Minister, call for reconsideration. The ongoing conflict has already killed over 61,000 Palestinians and taken nearly 250 hostages, intensifying calls for a peaceful resolution.

Alon Liel, former Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, warns that Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City will intensify its international isolation. In an Al Jazeera interview, he noted many countries recognize Palestine while Israel moves in the opposite direction by ignoring global calls to end the conflict. Satellite images indicate Israel is amassing troops for a possible large-scale ground offensive near Gaza. Liel urges Israel’s allies to take a firm stand, stressing that international consensus could influence U.S. policy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that India used Israeli-supplied weapons, including the Barak-8 missile system and Harpy drones, during its recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The conflict followed a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsous, targeting Indian military sites. The 87-hour clash ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Netanyahu praised the performance of Israeli weapons, while Israel’s Mumbai consul called the Indian operation a defensive move. Arms deliveries to India continue despite the Gaza war.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a comprehensive plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, aligning with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy to defeat Hamas. The plan includes the disarmament of Hamas, full Israeli security control over Gaza, release of remaining hostages, and the establishment of an alternative civilian government in Gaza. While most ministers support the plan, IDF’s chief reportedly warned it could lead to a humanitarian disaster and endanger hostages. Gaza City and surrounding areas remain partially under Hamas control.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed plans to take control of Gaza, but claims the goal is not long-term governance. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “Our objective is to remove Hamas, ensure Israel’s security, and hand over Gaza to a non-Hamas local civil administration with support from regional Arab partners.”

He reiterated that Israel’s aim is not occupation but liberation from Hamas’ rule, allowing a new administration that does not pose a threat to Israel’s existence.

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for the "complete conquest" of Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Yaal Zamir has warned that such a move could entrap Israeli forces in hostile enclaves and endanger remaining hostages. In a recent meeting, Zamir advised focusing on encircling key zones where hostages might be held, instead of deeper incursions into central Gaza. He noted that the army is already struggling with burnout and losses among reserve troops. Despite political pressure from far-right leaders, Zamir emphasized adherence to strategic caution. The military claims it currently controls around 75% of Gaza.

US President Donald Trump indicated he would not prevent Israel from taking full control of the Gaza Strip, leaving the decision to Israel. Trump emphasized his primary concern is the food situation in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. Since October 2023, US military aid to Israel has increased significantly. Israel has turned 86% of Gaza into a military zone, forcing Palestinians into crowded areas. The UN warns that a full takeover could have disastrous consequences, stressing Gaza’s importance as part of a future Palestinian state.

More than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks are stranded at the Egypt and Jordan borders, unable to enter the blockaded Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions. Gaza’s official media office accuses Israel of deliberately preventing aid deliveries as part of a systematic campaign of hunger, blockade, and chaos. The situation is described as a full-scale war crime violating international law and worsening the humanitarian disaster. Immediate reopening of border crossings and unconditional entry of aid trucks is urgently demanded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly ready to order a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite opposition from senior Israeli Defense Forces officials. Media reports suggest Netanyahu used the term “takeover” during internal discussions, with plans to expand operations even in areas holding hostages. IDF leadership has expressed concerns, warning it could take years to dismantle Hamas and might endanger hostages. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has condemned the plan and urged international intervention to prevent further escalation.

More than 600 former Israeli security chiefs, including ex-leaders of Mossad, Shin Bet, and the military, have urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and help end the ongoing Gaza war. In a letter shared by the Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS), they stressed that military action has already achieved its goals except for the return of hostages—which requires a deal. They believe Trump’s credibility hinges on his ability to pressure Netanyahu to pursue a peaceful resolution.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a provocative statement threatening full Israeli control over Al-Aqsa Mosque and the West Bank. Marking the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av, Katz wrote that the Western Wall and Temple Mount are "once again under complete Israeli sovereignty." His comments have drawn sharp condemnation, especially from Saudi Arabia, as he was seen praying at the Western Wall and alluding to Jewish worship at Al-Aqsa, which is currently prohibited.