Israel's military authority for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Cogat, announced on Saturday that tents, supplies and equipment are being set up in preparation for a mass relocation of Gaza residents to the southern part of the strip.
The announcement came ahead of the major offensive expected against Gaza City, but which has begun with targeted efforts in recent days. Israel's army IDF did not comment on the reports.
Escalation
On Saturday evening, Mahmud Bassal from the terrorist-stamped Hamas civilian defense authority stated that at least 36 people had been killed during the day in Israeli attacks against mainly Gaza City.
Testimonies from the city indicate a significant escalation of Israeli efforts, air raids and ground raids against areas in the city – especially the Zaytun neighborhood. Israel's army IDF confirmed on Friday that military efforts are being carried out and claims that the targets have terror connections.
But from Gaza came reports of how obviously innocent people were killed in attacks. A baby was killed along with its parents in Gaza.
Two and a half months old, what has she done, asked neighbor Fathi Shubeir next to the bier with the dead. The girl was covered with a blue shroud and lay over her parents' bodies, reports the news agency AP.
They are civilians. They were in an area that was supposed to be safe, said Shubeir.
Approved takeover
Israel's security cabinet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously in August decided to approve a military takeover of Gaza City, and the current efforts suggest a preparation for larger efforts.
Residents of Gaza note that shelling and bombing of the city cause "explosions that never seem to end":
We have forgotten the experience of sleep, said Ghassan Kashko to the news agency AFP.
The decision to expand the Israeli efforts in Gaza has been criticized both internationally and by the political opposition in Israel.
