Overview

• IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced approval of a concentrated military phase on Gaza City aimed at defeating Hamas and recovering the remaining hostages.
• COGAT resumed shipments of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza on August 17 under direct political orders to protect civilians south of the combat zone.
• Hundreds of thousands of Israelis blocked major highways, including the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv route, in a one-day national strike organized by the Foro de Familias de Rehenes demanding a negotiated release of roughly 49 captives still believed alive.
• The U.S. Department of State suspended visitor visas for people from Gaza pending a comprehensive review of recent humanitarian visa issuances.
• Israel conducted strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Houthi-linked targets in Yemen as international pressure grows for expanded humanitarian access and a ceasefire.