Israel on Sunday confirmed the death of Hamas spokesperson Hudayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout, better known as Abu Obeida, who was killed in a Gaza City airstrike on Saturday.
An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon reportedly targeted Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas's military wing. The strike hit near a local bakery in Gaza City, with initial reports from the territory saying more than ten people were killed.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson announced that Givati Brigade combat team forces, operating under Division 162, engaged in heavy fighting on the outskirts of Gaza City and in the Jabaliya area in northern Gaza.
Israeli air and ground forces carried out heavy strikes on the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City overnight Saturday and into Sunday, demolishing buildings and homes as troop reinforcements were sent to the north, Times of Israel reported.
At least 51 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza as Israeli forces advance deeper into Gaza City in a bid to impose their evacuation plan, Al Jazeera reported, citing medical sources.
"The gates of hell will soon open over Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza -- until they agree to Israel's conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament," Katz said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (local time) said that he is going to approve the military's plan to take over Gaza City, while instructing them to begin negotiations for the release of all hostages, Times of Israel reported.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is coordinating the move of the population from Gaza City south for its own protection as Israeli forces move into the area. As part of preparations for this, officers from the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Directorate at the IDF conducted initial warning call
Following Israel's plans to escalate its military offensive in Gaza City and expand illegal settlements in the West Bank's E1 area, leaders across the world have issued strong condemnations over the matter, warning of catastrophic humanitarian consequences in the region.
Israel will call up 60,000 reservists to begin operations in Gaza City, while mediation efforts for a ceasefire continue. Israeli attacks have intensified, displacing residents and causing civilian deaths. Qatar and Egypt push a truce, but Israel and Hamas remain in a deadlock over condition
French President Macron condemned Israel's Gaza expansion plan as a "disaster waiting to happen" and called for a UN-led international mission to stabilise Gaza, urging a permanent ceasefire to protect civilians and end the conflict, according to France 24.
The National Press Club expressed sorrow over the killing of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif in Gaza, called for a transparent probe, and urged all parties to protect journalists in conflict zones.