Israel has called up some 360,000 military reserves ahead of the anticipated offensive, while tanks and heavy weaponry have also been brought to the border as airstrikes continue to pound the besieged enclave.
The Israeli military issued a statement on Saturday saying they would “not carry out” any strikes along the Salah Al-Din “safe route” from Gaza City down to the southern regions of the Strip between 1000 [GMT 0700] and 1300 local time [GMT 1000].
In a direct message to Palestinians in Gaza, they added: “Your safety and that of your families matters.”
The World Health Organisation yesterday said the forced evacuation of hospitals violated international law.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “Hospitals and patients in Gaza are in grave danger. The seriously ill and injured patients at the Anglican-run Ahli Hospital – and other healthcare facilities in northern Gaza – cannot be safely evacuated. They are running low on medical supplies. They are facing catastrophe. The Ahli Hospital was hit by Israeli rocket fire last night, with four staff injured in the blast. Other hospitals have also been hit. I appeal for the evacuation order on hospitals in northern Gaza to be reversed – and for health facilities, health workers, patients and civilians to be protected.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, the PM of Israel, held an emergency government meeting to discuss the movement of troops into Gaza. He said that they “will dismantle Hamas”, who he described as “bloodthirsty monsters”.
This story is from the October 16, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the October 16, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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