On August 10 (local time), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would launch a new campaign against the remaining two Hamas bases in Gaza, with the goal of "completing the mission" and rescuing hostages.
He said there was no other choice because Hamas refused to lay down weapons, and affirmed that it had no intention of occupying all of Gaza but only wanted to establish a "security belt" near the border.
The statement came after the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to control Gaza City. The city is currently hit by heavy airstrikes, killing at least five people at a restaurant in the Sabra area.
Mr. Netanyahu revealed that he had discussed with US President Donald Trump about the plan to attack and coordinate the delivery of aid to Gaza. The Israeli military plans to set up "safe zones" for civilian evacuation, but the Palestinian side believes that these areas have not protected them from fire. Some Israeli military leaders have warned that expanding the campaign could endanger hostages and send soldiers into prolonged guerrilla war.
European representatives at the United Nations warned of widespread hunger in Gaza and that Israel's military plans would make the situation worse. They called for an immediate stop of activities that caused civilians, including hostages, to suffer more and urged increased aid.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 217 people, including 100 children, have died from malnutrition and hunger in the past two days. In addition, 23 people died because of relief packages falling on them, including a 14-year-old boy who died while waiting to receive food.
