Israel: Israel is racing against time to 'depopulate' northern Gaza ahead of a possible ceasefire agreement, a Palestinian source said on Sunday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israel is 'trying to take advantage of the few remaining days before any anticipated truce to expand the scope of destruction and annihilate cities,' a source close to Palestinian factions revealed. The source emphasized that Israel aims to dismantle what remains of life-sustaining infrastructure in northern Gaza, thereby eliminating any chance for Palestinians to return.
In May, the Israeli army initiated Operation Gideon's Chariots, which involves the complete evacuation of Palestinians from combat zones in northern Gaza. The operation's plan confines Palestinians to three narrow coastal areas: western Gaza City, west of the central governorate, and west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
According to an Anadolu reporter, these areas are largely isolated from one another, with Palestinians facing Israeli bombing or gunfire when attempting to move between them. Palestinian estimates suggest that the areas now housing displaced Palestinians comprise no more than 15% of the total area of the Gaza Strip.
Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that Operation Gideon's Chariots is expected to continue for several months and includes the complete evacuation of Gaza's residents from all combat zones to southern Gaza areas.
The Israeli army has intensified its attacks across Gaza over the past week, aiming to prevent the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza. On June 30, the army bombed four schools in northern Gaza sheltering displaced families, contributing to what Palestinians describe as deliberate displacement efforts.
According to Palestinian sources, repeated attacks on shelters have reduced habitable space, forcing many to pitch tents along the coastal strip, aligning with Israeli objectives to push the population into open areas lacking basic living conditions. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimates that 85% of Gaza's area is now considered either an Israeli military zone or under evacuation orders.
Palestinian residents report between 20-30 powerful explosions daily, resulting from the demolition of their homes, particularly in northern and eastern Gaza. A video shared by a Palestinian source showed significant destruction in Tel al-Zaatar and Sheikh Zayed City in northern Gaza.
The source further elaborated that Israel is intensifying its military campaign in Gaza to secure field gains, strengthen its negotiating position, and pursue long-term strategic objectives such as displacing the population and shaping post-war arrangements. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the army is preparing to complete its control over Gaza using five maneuvering divisions, describing it as 'a massive operation not seen in over a year.'
The escalation comes as Israel is set to resume indirect talks with Hamas to reach a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its military operations, resulting in over 57,400 Palestinian casualties, mostly women and children, since October 2023.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.