‘Die here or die elsewhere’: stark choice facing Gazans

Netanyahu signals restart of hostage talks with Hamas – but will press ahead with military assault followed by occupation

- STEFFIE BANATVALA

Thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza City, as the Israeli military continues its assault on the enclave ahead of a planned occupation.

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would give final approval for a full takeover, while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all of Israel's remaining hostages.

The widening of the 22-month offensive against Hamas appears to be proceeding despite protests in both Israel and the Palestinian enclave. Israeli strikes killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospitals. A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties to and displacement from the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts warn of imminent famine.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X that Israeli forces had begun warning medical teams in northern Gaza that residents should prepare to move south.

Describing intense overnight shelling before a medical aid point was forced to close in the city on Tuesday, staff member Shireen Halasa said: "It was a terrifying night. The shelling did not stop for a single moment. My heart almost stopped. We were treating around 100 children daily, many suffering from severe malnutrition, but we were forced to close while running for our lives."

Israeli troops have established a foothold on the city's outskirts, and an IDF spokesperson said on Wednesday that forces were already operating in Zeitoun and Jabalia as they laid the groundwork for a broader offensive.