Live updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are currently making preparations for a meticulously coordinated offensive, encompassing aerial, naval, and ground operations, targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israel is anticipated to initiate a ground offensive into Gaza subsequent to the accumulation of troops at the border this week. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated their intentions to execute a broad spectrum of offensive strategies, encompassing an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea, and land against Hamas in Gaza. The IDF has confirmed the completion of the mobilization of a substantial number of servicemen for the counteroffensive, as reported by NBC News.

In anticipation of the imminent ground operation, approximately 1.1 million Palestinians were notified with a 24-hour notice to evacuate northern Gaza. This directive has faced significant criticism from numerous humanitarian organizations due to the logistical challenges associated with relocating such a large number of individuals within such a limited timeframe. As of now, the deadline has expired without any indications of an incursion taking place.

The Gaza Strip is currently confronted with an alarming humanitarian crisis subsequent to the cessation of food, fuel, water, and electricity supplies by Israel. This densely populated region has endured severe repercussions as a response to Hamas' ruthless assault on Israel during the previous weekend. The number of casualties continues to rise, with a minimum of 1,300 fatalities in Israel and 2,200 in Gaza.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to engage in a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh at 7:30 a.m. local time (12:30 a.m. ET), as confirmed by a U.S. official. This meeting coincides with Blinken's upcoming departure for Egypt, where he is anticipated to deliberate on a potential accord regarding the provision of secure passage through the Rafah border crossing for American citizens residing in Gaza.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has issued a formal call to Israeli authorities to ensure the protection of all civilians in its shelters throughout the Gaza Strip, including those located in northern Gaza and Gaza City. The UNRWA has expressed concern that despite Israel's evacuation order for the north, many individuals, particularly pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, will be unable to flee. The agency has stated that its shelters in Gaza and northern Gaza are no longer safe, which is an unprecedented situation. It has emphasized that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including United Nations buildings, must be upheld during this conflict. Israel has instructed approximately one million residents in northern Gaza to relocate to the south in anticipation of a ground offensive.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has issued a separate warning regarding the water shortage in Gaza, stating that approximately 2 million individuals are currently at risk. In light of this situation, the UNRWA is urgently calling for the facilitation of humanitarian supplies to be allowed into the region. Furthermore, the UNRWA has expressed concern over the diminishing water supply at its newly relocated base in the southern area, as it is currently accommodating refugees, many of whom have complied with the evacuation directive.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the UNRWA, has emphasized the immediate necessity of delivering fuel in order to ensure the availability of safe drinking water. He has stressed that failure to do so will result in severe dehydration and subsequent fatalities, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and women. Water now stands as the sole remaining lifeline, prompting an appeal for the lifting of the blockade on humanitarian assistance without delay.