Middle East Crisis Gaza War

Macron on Siege: “Complete Disaster”

French President Emmanuel Macron warns that Israel’s plan to evacuate the population of Gaza City, in conjunction with a siege, would lead to permanent war.

He states on X that the plan “would only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples”. He also reiterates his call for an “international stabilization effort”.

The Red Cross states that it would “worsen an already catastrophic situation”, according to Haaretz. They also warned that the operation could also risk the life of the Israeli hostage.

Netanyahu: Hamas must be defeated faster

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the timetable for taking control of Hamas strongholds and defeating them to be shortened, his office said, according to Reuters.

The statement, which came after the Israeli military launched an invasion of Gaza City, did not specify a timeline.

Gaza City Invasion Begins: “Already in Control of the City’s Outskirts”

Israel has begun the first phase of its invasion of Gaza City, Israeli army (IDF) spokeswoman Effie Defrin told Reuters.

“Our forces are already in control of the city’s outskirts,” Defrin told The Jerusalem Post.

The plans to take control of the city were approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday.

Around 60,000 Israeli reservists have been called up as a result. The IDF says another 20,000 could be called up by the end of the month.