Gaza Residents to Be Provided With Tents Before Relocation: Israel

Gaza residents would be provided with tents and other shelter equipment starting from Aug. 17 ahead of relocating them from combat zones to the south of the enclave "to ensure their safety," the Israeli military said on Aug. 16.

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GAZA STRIP, Palestinian Territories — Gaza residents would be provided with tents and other shelter equipment starting from Aug. 17 ahead of relocating them from combat zones to the south of the enclave "to ensure their safety," the Israeli military said on Aug. 16.

This came days after Israel said it intended to launch a new offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City, the enclave's largest urban center, in a plan that raised international alarm over the fate of the demolished strip, home to about 2.2 million people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Aug. 17 said that before launching the offensive, the civilian population will be evacuated to what he described as "safe zones" from Gaza City, which he called Hamas' last stronghold.

The shelter equipment will be transferred via the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza by the United Nations and other international relief organizations after being inspected by Defence Ministry personnel, the military said.