Overview

• The security cabinet endorsed a five-point strategy to disarm Hamas, seize Gaza City, demilitarize the enclave, maintain Israeli security control and install a non-Israeli civilian authority
• More than 100,000 Israelis marched in Tel Aviv on August 9 calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages taken in the October 2023 Hamas attacks
• Military leaders warned that expanding the operation into Gaza City could endanger the estimated 20 surviving hostages and expose ground forces to heavy casualties
• The Palestinian Authority and Russia issued formal condemnations, predicting the offensive will intensify Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
• The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session on August 10 to address the new offensive plan and its impact on civilians and captives