Israel expected to approve expanded Gaza offensive as famine warnings intensify
The plan, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would begin with an offensive on Gaza City and central refugee camps, pushing much of the population southward toward the Mawasi humanitarian zone, according to The Times of Israel.
The move is reportedly aimed at destroying what remains of Hamas and increasing pressure on the group to release the roughly 50 hostages still held in Gaza, of whom about 20 are believed to be alive.
Despite internal concerns, including warnings from senior Israeli military officials that such an operation could endanger the hostages, Netanyahu is expected to secure enough support from the high-level security cabinet, which convenes Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies are warning of a deepening crisis in the enclave. A global hunger monitor has described the situation as a 'famine scenario,' with starvation spreading, children under five dying from hunger-related causes, and humanitarian access still severely restricted.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that food consumption in Gaza has dropped to its lowest level since the war began. As of this week, 81 percent of households are experiencing poor food consumption, more than double the 33 percent recorded in April.
A European Union official told Reuters there had been some limited progress, including increased fuel deliveries, reopened routes, and infrastructure repairs. However, they warned that a lack of safe conditions on the ground continues to severely hinder the distribution of aid at scale.
Despite mounting international concern, the conflict shows no signs of slowing, with escalating military plans on one side and worsening humanitarian indicators on the other.
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