Tel aviv: The Israeli army has initiated a new phase in its ongoing offensive aimed at reoccupying Gaza City. As Israeli forces escalate operations within the Palestinian enclave, military spokesperson Effie Defrin announced that the army has commenced preliminary activities as part of the ground assault, codenamed Operation Gideon's Chariots 2.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has sanctioned the occupation plan named after a previous operation. The public broadcaster KAN revealed that Katz approved the plan to fully evacuate Palestinians from northern Gaza, although details on the number of troops involved remain unspecified.

The military escalation has resulted in significant civilian casualties. Medical sources report that Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip have led to the deaths of at least 66 civilians, including children. A recent assault on the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City claimed five lives, while an attack near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and injuries to 30 others. In Jabalia al-Nazla, an Israeli strike on a house killed three people and injured ten.

In parallel developments, the United States has imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court (ICC) officials. The State Department stated these measures target efforts by the ICC against the US and Israel, particularly concerning arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Treasury Department has added several ICC officials to the Specially Designated Nationals list due to their involvement in investigations relating to US personnel in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Israel's approval of a controversial settlement project has further intensified the situation. The Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration has endorsed the E1 project, which entails construction between Jerusalem and the Ma'ale Adumim settlement, effectively dividing the West Bank and isolating East Jerusalem.