TEL AVIV: Israel's warning that those who remain in northern Gaza despite the order to evacuate will be seen as part of Hamas and will be vulnerable to attack. The warning in Arabic was dispersed in the air in the form of leaflets. This is a signal that the attack will get more intense. Israel stated that the aim was to facilitate the advance of the ground forces waiting to enter Gaza.
Iran demanded an immediate ceasefire. Iran's foreign minister warned that things would spiral out of control otherwise. Iran had not participated in the peace summit held in Egypt the other day.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who visited the troops on the Gaza border, responded that Israel will retaliate heavily if the Hezbollah group from Lebanon, which is supported by Iran, attacked them.
All 20 hospitals in northern Gaza have been ordered to evacuate. Six hospitals were evacuated. 10 hospitals sought respite. Four hospitals are taking the stand that this is not possible. Al Quds Hospital, which houses 12,000 people who have left their homes in addition to 400 patients, has also expressed its opposition. The Red Crescent officials responded that Israel's proposal was tantamount to sentencing the patients to death. Israel's position is that Hamas is working under the cover of hospitals and places of worship. Hamas says that Israel destroyed 31 mosques in Gaza.
The number of people killed in Gaza since October 7 has risen to 4,651. More than 1,400 people were killed in attacks by Hamas in Israel. So far 89 people have been killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank. US has announced that it will deploy more THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Patriot air defence systems in the West.
Yesterday's attack
Release of hostages
Qatar, which is mediating the talks, expressed hope that Israeli citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza could be released soon. Two American hostages were released on Friday. Israel estimates that there are currently 212 hostages.