IDF Gears Up for ‘Final Battle’ in Gaza as Israelis Rally for Ceasefire

Tel Aviv (The Uttam Hindu): The tone within Israel has started changing regarding the war that has been going on in Gaza for the last 22 months. On one hand, thousands of Israeli citizens have come out on the streets demanding a ceasefire, while on the other hand, the Israeli Army (IDF) is preparing for the 'final battle' against Hamas in Gaza. Under this, a new plan has been made to shift Palestinians from densely populated areas to southern Gaza.
The Israeli army says that the remaining Hamas fighters are hiding among the civilians in dense settlements. To eliminate them, it is necessary to conduct a major operation in these areas. Therefore, before the operation, the common people will be shifted to tents built in safe areas of southern Gaza. However, the Palestinians do not trust the assurances of the Israeli army. It has happened many times in the past that when the army ordered the evacuation of an area, there were unexpected attacks there. Many times the routes through which people were shifting were bombed. Despite this, many people are forced to go to southern Gaza due to the fear of continuous attacks.
Meanwhile, COGAT, the Israeli department responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza, has said that the supply of relief materials and tents will be started smoothly from Sunday. Israel's Defense Minister has also made it clear that now the final battle to defeat Hamas is going on in Gaza.
But now the Israeli citizens themselves are tired of this war. Thousands of people demonstrated in many cities including Tel Aviv and demanded immediate ceasefire and release of the hostages. The families of the hostages fear that if the military action continues, the lives of the approximately 20 hostages remaining in Hamas's custody may also be in danger. The videos of the hostages released by Hamas from time to time further increase the anxiety of their families.
Another sad face of the tragedy of war has emerged, where a 20-year-old Palestinian woman who was taken to Italy for treatment from Gaza has died. Doctors said on Saturday that the woman, who had become "physically very weak" amid the war, was admitted to Pisa University Hospital late Wednesday night, where she died on Friday.