Overview

• Issued by the Israel Defense Forces on July 20, the directive marks the first preparation for ground operations in central Gaza’s Deir al Balah.
• Residents living in tents and makeshift shelters were directed to relocate south to al-Mawasi, where basic services and sanitation are severely lacking.
• Emergency and other aid organizations warn that the move traps NGOs in a “mouse trap” and sharply disrupts medical and relief operations.
• Intelligence assessments previously deterred ground incursions over fears of endangering hostages believed held in the area.
• With about 50 hostages still in Gaza and only 20 thought alive, stalled releases have left ceasefire negotiations at an impasse.