Overview

• The Israeli security cabinet approved a plan on August 9 to expand ground operations in Gaza City, aiming to disarm Hamas, secure hostage releases and install a non-Israeli civilian administration.
• In Tel Aviv, over 100,000 protesters rallied demanding an immediate ceasefire and safe return of hostages, with families warning the offensive could endanger their loved ones.
• Hostage families under the Consejo de Octubre announced a nationwide general strike for August 17 to pressure Netanyahu to halt the operation and save the remaining 20 live captives.
• Senior Israeli military leaders cautioned that the push into Gaza City risks high troop casualties and could imperil the lives of the remaining hostages.
• The Palestinian Authority, Russia and several European governments condemned the plan for worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis ahead of an emergency UN Security Council meeting.