Middle East crisis

Gaza War
New Israeli attacks on Gaza – at least 123 killed

At least 123 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza. At the same time, attacks on Gaza City have intensified ahead of the new major offensive that Israel has approved, writes Reuters.

Witnesses and medical personnel say that at least 25 Palestinians were shot dead while trying to get emergency aid, reports the AP. Israel has not commented on the information, according to the news agency.

Netanyahu's plan to expand the offensive in Gaza has been met with harsh criticism from countries and organizations.

Israeli military: Approved plan to take over Gaza city

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir has approved the "main concept" for the plan to expand the offensive in Gaza, according to Reuters.

The plan involves Israel taking control of the city, writes The Times of Israel. In a meeting on Wednesday morning, Zamir gave the green light for the plan.

The military chief himself was initially critical of the plan and has recently clashed with Defense Minister Israel Katz. But he approved the plan “in accordance with the directives of the political leadership,” according to the IDF.

The plan has also been criticized by the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, as well as by a number of countries and organizations.

The military also confirms that an offensive has already begun in the Zeitoun area of Gaza City on Tuesday.

Reactions
Israel and South Sudan in talks to relocate Palestinians

Israel is in discussions with South Sudan about relocating Palestinians from Gaza there. This is reported by six sources to the AP news agency.

The talks with the war-torn country are seen as part of Israel’s plan for mass emigration from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls it “voluntary migration” and says he wants to realize Donald Trump’s vision of relocating the population of Gaza.

The proposal to relocate Palestinians has been criticized by the international community, human rights groups and the Palestinians themselves.

It is still unknown how far the talks with South Sudan have progressed.