Overview

• The Israel Defense Forces announced that Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir approved a new phase concentrating operations on Gaza City and nearby refugee camps to deliver a decisive blow to Hamas.
• On August 17, hundreds of thousands of Israelis joined a general strike and blocked major highways to demand a ceasefire and the negotiated release of the roughly 49 captives still believed to be held in Gaza.
• Israeli authorities estimate about 49 hostages remain from the October 7 attack, with more than half presumed dead, intensifying pressure on the government to pursue diplomatic exchanges.
• UNRWA cautioned that up to one million female residents face mass hunger, and the Gaza Ministry of Health reported new starvation deaths as most aid convoy requests continue to be denied.
• COGAT announced the resumption of tent and shelter deliveries to Gaza starting August 17, though international NGOs say only a fraction of vital supply applications have been approved under tightened controls.