In a tense escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel’s Defence Forces are preparing to launch a “coordinated offensive” on the Gaza Strip. The deadline given to Palestinians to move south to escape the impending offensive has now passed, with up to 1.1 million people on the sliver of land being offered safe passage south of the Wadi Gaza river. The offensive is expected to involve land, sea, and air operations.

However, the forced evacuation has raised concerns about devastating humanitarian consequences. The United Nations has warned that hospital patients and others will be unable to leave, leaving them in a vulnerable position. Medical officials estimate that approximately 35,000 people have sought refuge in Gaza City’s main hospital.

Earlier today, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops who are preparing to enter the Gaza Strip, expressing that “the next stage is coming.” This visit underscores the seriousness of the situation and the imminent military actions being planned.

The conflict began when the Hamas militant group stormed the border last weekend, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis in their homes, as well as 260 others at a music festival. Thousands of lives have been lost on both sides since the initial attack, further escalating tensions in the region.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, recently met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar. The two leaders agreed to continue cooperation to achieve Hamas’ goals, with Iran praising the attack as a “historic victory” against the Israeli occupation.

Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The United States has reportedly received a message from Iran via the United Nations, expressing a desire to avoid further escalation but also warning of potential intervention if the Israeli operation in Gaza persists.

As the people of Gaza move south in an attempt to escape the impending offensive, Israeli airstrikes continue to target the territory. Tragically, Hamas has reported that 70 people, mostly women and children, were killed in an attack on a fleeing convoy.