Overview

• Families of hostages and opposition groups launched a general strike on August 17, blocking key highways and demanding a ceasefire plus the return of all captives
• Israeli police and border security forces deployed thousands of officers nationwide and reported 32 arrests for obstructing movement and disturbing public order
• A UN rights report found at least 1,760 Palestinians have been killed seeking humanitarian aid since late May, attributing most of those deaths to Israeli army fire
• IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that civilians in combat zones will be relocated to designated “safe zones” in southern Gaza with tents and supplies screened through Kerem Shalom
• Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government is pressing ahead with preparations to seize Gaza City and adjacent refugee camps to defeat Hamas and secure hostage releases